Saturday, February 10, 2007
Update on Bill's Health
On January 3rd I went to Rutland, VT for an MRI to see why I was going deaf in my left ear. What they found was that I had a tumor on my auditory nerve behind my left ear. The tumor was 3cm and was pushing against my brain stem as well. Barb and I went to Dartmouth two weeks later to meet with a neurologist and a neurosurgeon to discuss treatment of the acoustic neuroma (tumor). In all honesty, the day was a bit of a reality check. The tumor is larger than we thought and is near the brain stem. The doctors ruled out "gamma knife” a radiation treatment. Leaving it in is not an option and all involved are surprised that my symptoms do not include significant balance issues considering where it is located. This is probably due to my body adjusting to the gradual changes that have occurred in my head.
Anyway, after a lot of research and help from a lot of friends (old and new) I am going to Johns Hopkins for surgery on March 9th. My surgeon will be Dr. John Niparko. He has been so much help through this process and I feel that I am in very good hands. I have to say thank you to Dr. Randy Capone for connecting me with him. I was, quite frankly, unprepared for the fact that removing the tumor is tricky and there are many important things running through this area of my brain -- esp. at risk--my facial nerve and balance. The operation is an all day event and it seems like 12 hours or more is the norm for this procedure. Then a day in a neurological ICU, 2-3 days of observation, then vestibular therapy to help with the balance issues. I could be out of school for a few weeks.
Right now I am getting my lesson plans together and trying to get in good shape for the surgery. I will keep you updated on the blog. I am overwhelmed by the support that everyone has given our family. Thank you all very much!
Anyway, after a lot of research and help from a lot of friends (old and new) I am going to Johns Hopkins for surgery on March 9th. My surgeon will be Dr. John Niparko. He has been so much help through this process and I feel that I am in very good hands. I have to say thank you to Dr. Randy Capone for connecting me with him. I was, quite frankly, unprepared for the fact that removing the tumor is tricky and there are many important things running through this area of my brain -- esp. at risk--my facial nerve and balance. The operation is an all day event and it seems like 12 hours or more is the norm for this procedure. Then a day in a neurological ICU, 2-3 days of observation, then vestibular therapy to help with the balance issues. I could be out of school for a few weeks.
Right now I am getting my lesson plans together and trying to get in good shape for the surgery. I will keep you updated on the blog. I am overwhelmed by the support that everyone has given our family. Thank you all very much!
