my surgery

OK this seems to be the simplest and quickest way to update everyone all the surgery details. I will continue to update on my condition and new details. We recently found out I have ACOUSTIC NEUROMA, Acoustic Neuroma is a benign tumor arising from the eighth (hearing and balance) cranial nerve. This nerve travels from the brainstem to the inner ear. Basically I have a tumor lodged in between my inner ear and my brain. There are several different options and we have chosen to have it surgically removed. I wanted to give you a timeline of how quickly this all happened. I had been having dizzy spells and memory loss for about a year now. i went to my primary doc and she thought it was post pardum depression. About 3 weeks ago I went back because the symptoms had not gone away, and had been more severe. So my doctor requested an MRI of my brain and referred me to an eye specialist as well. I had the MRI on Thursday, and Monday was called with the results. They referred me to an ENT. i was able to get in on that Wednesday to see the ENT. The ENT then explained everything to me and sent me to a specialist. We saw Dr. Jacquez Herzong, an otologist and neurologist. He gave us all the scoop. There is no known cause for this tumor and it is not genetic. It is not cancerous nor will it spread or return once removed. Every 1 in 100,000 people get it. I will be having it surgically removed some time in August. The procedure sounds scarier then it really is...... There will be an incision about 2 inches behind my left ear. The underlying bone is removed and the dura (lining of the brain) opened. This allows the surgeon to visualize the tumor from the inner ear to the brainstem. By operating behind the inner ear, hearing preservation is an option. The disadvantage is that the facial nerve is located in behind the tumor and is not directly seen until a portion of tumor is removed. Also the cerebellum (a portion of the brain) must be retracted which may result a bit longer recovery. This procedure is the best option because the chances of keeping my hearing look really good. The surgeon says I will be in surgery about 4-5 hours. 24 hours in ICU, and 3-5 days in recovery. I will get to go home as soon as I can get up a walk on my own without feeling dizzy or sick. I will then have 6 week recovery at home.I know it all sounds really scary but I am really ok with everything. God has a reason for everything and this has made me truly appreciate my good health and supportive friends and family. It could always be so much worse. So I don’t want anyone to freak out or avoid talking about it. I would be happy to answer any questions any one has b/c it is very confusing and sounds very scary.So sorry to be the bearer of bad news but just wanted to get some extra prayers during this time. Love you all!Kelley Here is the website to my surgeon with some additional information. http://www.stlouisear.com/index.htm

I had my 2nd MRI on Wednesday July 9th. The main reason for the 2nd MRI was to get a specifically clearer picture of the tumor itself. The last MRI was a general picture of the brain. The doctor requested the 2nd to see exactly where he needs to go in without puncturing any other nerves. I have not heard any results at this time. Clint and I are seeing Dr. Herzog on Tuesday to set up the surgery. I am very anxious for this appointment b/c you all know me I like to have structure and organization in my life and its driving me nuts not knowing what is going to happen the next few months with my recovery. I will also have the opportunity to ask all those silly little questions like.... How much do you really have to shave my head????? :( and When can I drive????:( You know all the important questions. Ha Ha.
So I will keep you all updated on the newest details.

I cannot thank you all enough. I truly feel the positive support and prayers surrounding me each and every day. You all are keeping me going every day and appreciating all of the amazingly wonderfull people in my life. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!
Kelley :)