It has been an eventful few weeks to say the least!
It all started back in August when I felt a lump on my neck under my ear. I just thought it was an enlarged lymph node, but it never went away. I went to the doctor in October, and he put me on a strong antibiotic thinking it was the same thing. He told me not to worry, as a lot of people have enlarged nodes and are totally fine.
When I went to my annual with Dr. Taylor in December, I mentioned it again, as it was still there. He saw it was bugging me and wanted to put my mind (and his) to rest and ordered an ultrasound. That lead to 2 different biopsies and many more appointments before I was referred up to the University of Minnesota to Dr. Yueh.
Dr. Yueh told me that I had a Schwannoma Tumor, and he ordered CT Scan for that day to map it out so he could better plan for my care. That lead to a MRI as the scan showed it to be bigger and deeper than initially thought. My tumor was studied by many top doctors at the U of M (with Dr. Yueh being in the top 1% in the nation - how lucky was I!), and it was determined that the best treatment would be to remove it as it would keep growing. There were many risks with this surgery, but he came up with a good game plan that put my mind at ease. I had total faith in him and his team.
I had surgery on Valentine's Day. He was able to remove a benign tumor the size of an egg from the base of my skull. Crazy to think that such a huge thing could be growing inside me without me knowing, but as I look back I can find a few clues...light-headed-ness is something I have dealt with for awhile. It make sense as this tumor was completely compressing my jugular...crazy!
I am officially 1 1/2 weeks post surgery and doing really well! I do have some side effects that I am hoping will heal with time and others that I will have to live with. I am just thankful that it is out and that I am fine! One of Dr. Yueh's orders was to not get my heart rate up for 4+ weeks...this is hard, as I have been loving going to the Y every morning and taking an exercise class. I have adjusted and take long walks on the treadmill instead, but I am excited for that day I get his approval :) I am still going to the doctor every few weeks for check ups and tests.
I have had so much support from family and friends, and I am absolutely humbled...Amy came and cared for me and my family for days. My mom cooked and cooked and cared for us, too. Julie watched my kids, made meals, ran to the store...and more. Cathy made meals and continues to check up on me. Graham was Superman and continues to doctor me :) I got many visits, cards, texts, emails, and calls. I really kept it quiet, as it was a scary time and we weren't sure what to expect. Now I feel like everything is going to be fine and I just wanted to say...Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!! I am so blessed!
March is going to be another crazy month, as Graham gets matched into a Residency Program! We will find out all the details on March 15th...until then, we wait! Yikes!! We are saying our prayers and crossing our fingers.
7 years ago
