| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Canadian farmgirl |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 08:12:21 AM
Hi,
I wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the health forum. I just found out yesterday that I have an acoustic neuroma (benign brain tumor).  This is on the nerve involving hearing and balance. Apparently they are slow-growing, and so they give you time to decide your options. I am scheduled for a referral to a neurosurgeon in Toronto, no date yet.
I had never even heard of these tumors before, but during the MRI I had on Tuesday, I knew something was going on when the tech said the radiologist saw a spot, then they had to put in gadolinium dye to do some contrast pictures. I have tinnitus and hearing loss in my right ear only. Other symptoms that may come along as it grows are balance problems, facial numbness and facial weakness. So far, I have none of these, other than the tinnitus and hearing loss.
Treatment options include observation, radiation, and surgery. Apparently you almost always lose your hearing from the surgery, the risk is very high.
I am very scared, have not told my kids yet, or my mom & siblings. Two of my kids are away at university, and I don't want to distract them from their studies. They will be finished at Easter, so I am going to wait until then to tell them. My husband has been a great support; we have been doing a lot of praying together. And just holding each other.
So, right now I'm trying to be optimistic and positive. The tinnitus is driving me crazy, not sleeping well. We're going to tap some maple trees this weekend and get some maple syrup going. Need a farmgirl distraction right now! Still trying to digest all of this.
Any prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Lori
P.S. Apparently they only diagnose about 10 tumors per 1 million people each year. Should I go out and buy a lottery ticket? LOL
Farmgirl Sister #183 |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Mar 04 2011 : 6:14:28 PM
Lori,
You have been on my heart all day and now I know why. I have been keeping you in prayers and will definitely continue as you are dealing with this. I am sending you an overdue e-mail.
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
| Canadian farmgirl |
Posted - Mar 04 2011 : 2:45:14 PM
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I got in touch with the Acoustic Neuroma Association here in Canada, and a volunteer already contacted me  . They will be a good source of advice for Toronto doctors, etc.
Hubby and I are going to get some spiritual advice tonight.
Farmgirl hugs,
Lori
Farmgirl Sister #183 |
| CountryBorn |
Posted - Mar 04 2011 : 2:26:07 PM
That is a hard choice to make. But, I am sure the Dr. will go over all your options and help you to choose the right one for you. I actually have had two friends that had this. The thing is you are have hearing loss and ringing in your ears now. So, that will probably be a hardship already to you. Both of my friends had the surgery. They did loose more hearing, but they probably would of lost it anyway. They knew that, so I think that made the decision easier. One was very dizzy with it, and both had hearing loss, so theirs was kind of a no choice type of decision. I myself have been deaf in my left ear since I was 6. I wear 2 hearing aids. The newest one I got for my left ear does actual add a wee bit of hearing, which is huge for me, because I have never had any, the nerve was for all intents and purposes dead. So I am here to tell you that you certainly can adjust and not to give up hope or think your life will be awful. It won't honey. This is strictly my own opinion and I am not giving any advice, if it were me I would probably get rid of it. Especially if I was already having the problems you are. Just the thought it was in there I am sure must be unsettling. Plus , since it is not cancerous, I wouldn't want the radiation if I could help it. I do know I am thinking about you and praying for you to find the right answer for yourself. So, you can be the most comfortable with it. Good Luck!!
Hugs MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Mar 04 2011 : 1:49:40 PM
Lori, praying for you! What a precious sense of humor you have. Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. Prayers for your family!
Blessings, Linda
www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Mar 04 2011 : 05:28:34 AM
Lori, praying that the tumor stays benign and shrinks. My DH had one that made his face droop and his speach impaired. The doctors kept checking it with MRI's and after three years it shrank and is not causing him any problems. I pray that the same thing happens for you.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 9:31:00 PM
Hi Lori - I truly completely understand what you are going through. I'm sending you an email right now, and will be praying.
Hugs - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
| Mommyswanson |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 7:22:47 PM
Lori
You are in my prayers. I understand how frightening news like this can be. I lift you, your family & your Doctors up in prayer, praying for wisdom, strength & perseverance. Big farmgirl love & hugs to you!!
Laura
"That which does not kill us makes us strong!" "I cast all my cares upon you Lord." |
| sherrye |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 6:28:19 PM
so glad to hear from you. at least it is not malignant. will add you to my prayers. hang in there sister. sincerely with love sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
|
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 3:19:39 PM
Lori, I have missed you. I will be praying for you and watching for updates. I hope they can get this all figured out and get you on the right track. I will be praying for you.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| debtea2 |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 3:01:10 PM
lori your in my prayers and thoughts
big hug
blessings deborah
inch by inch we find our way
jersey farmgirl
#1330
|
| Cherime |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 09:47:15 AM
Praying for you and may that misery be gone in Jesus' name and stay gone.
CMF |
| Marcy |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 09:37:56 AM
Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
hugs
Marcy
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give...Eleanor Roosevelt
http://marcysworldofcreativity.blogspot.com/ |
| Sharon Denise |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 09:27:27 AM
I'm so sorry, Lori. :-( It has to be such a hard decision, weighing symptoms versus risk. At the very least, although it may be small comfort with the risk of hearing loss, it isn't malignant. I know that really doesn't matter very much though, when you're having to deal with so much. I'm praying for you, your husband, and your children. I hope everything works out better than you can imagine. Hugs!
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 08:48:35 AM
I'm glad Lori that you know what you are dealing with and that it is benign. I trust you have good doctors and that our prayers will help. Praying for your complete recovery and a great support group around you!
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl & Sister #870 ~
"It compliments God to ask great things of Him." ~ St. Theresa of Avila
|
| Prairie Gypsy |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 08:29:40 AM
Sorry to hear about this diagnosis. My uncle has the same thing except his is inoperable. He's had it probably for 20+ years - he's in his 50's now. Obviously, depending on where its at will determine what symptoms if any you'll have regarding it and you'll learn to make adjustments as needed. As scary as it sounds, its not a death sentence. My uncle will black out if he drives long distances so he has adjusted. Instead of driving from Alabama to Indiana to see the family, he flies or takes the bus. He works and is in college.
Hopefully you're working the maple trees will help you. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Farmgirl Sister # 2363
http://twilightburrough.blogspot.com/
Warren, MI
|
| missusprim |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 08:24:05 AM
Lori, you'll be in our thoughts! I know nothing of your condition, and I'm not a doctor but I do know there is merit to positive thinking and having support - both family and spiritual. Do your homework and see what YOU come up with as far as options, good docs, maybe even nutritional information that will help.
Glad you've got a good hubby who is there for you, you're so very lucky. Please keep us posted and know that you're not alone!
Karen
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
|
| maggie14 |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 08:19:39 AM
Lori, Hugs and Prayers headed your way! If there is anything else I can do please feel free to e-mail me.
Hugs,
Hannah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Lifes not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
Just a small town country girl, farmgirl,loggergirl, trying to live her dreams. :)
P.s. I've been playing around with the spelling of my name ( weird I know) and I've decided that I will stick with Hannah for good. Sorry I got you all confused. Hugs!! |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Mar 03 2011 : 08:19:34 AM
Oh Lori. I am so sorry you've received this news. I'm glad, from your "p.s" that you are trying to have a sense of humor with this. It's got to be so difficult right now. I'm glad that your husband knows, and that you're not letting this weigh on your shoulders. Let him be strong for you. It is benign, so that's positive right there. But the options for surgery sound like they are a bit unnerving. I guess, they need to tell you "everything" that "could" happen, but I know this will be a tough decision to make for you. Radiation would shrink the tumor, but not remove it entirely as surgery would? If it's benign, is that a better option?
You are on my prayer list and I am hoping that with the sun sticking around a little longer, and spring in the air, you take care of yourself and put your mind at ease by doing things that happily distract you. Thank goodness for your health care system, there, in Canada. Everything will be alright, but it's nerve wracking.
Thinking of you.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
