Acoustic Neuroma: Experience Reflections

A Motivational Story

It Is All About Choices

acoustic_neuroma Some years have passed since my acoustic neuroma surgery. However, I still remember it as if it were yesterday. The entire experience still remains of the scariest events in my life. I promised myself to communicate my experience to help others; because I have to tell you, reading about the negative and terrifying experiences of others with brain tumors only heightened my fear.

The truth of the matter is that most people who post their acoustic neuroma stories are those experiencing negative side effects or those who chose the 'wait and see' approach. When I learned patients with more positive acoustic neuroma outcomes are less likely to post on the Internet, I wanted to be one of the exceptions. I truly want others to realize everything can turn out okay.

The Side Effects

For those of you dealing with serious illness, the experience itself, as well as the potential side effects, are always a worry. You may be wondering if I still experience any side effects from my brain tumor surgery? Yes I do. Most obvious is the complete hearing loss in my right ear.

If you've read my series of articles about my ordeal, you'll learn that I chose to sacrifice my remaining hearing in my right ear to lessen the likelihood of other side effects. Do I regret my decision? Absolutely not! You see, other side effects I experience are minor - my surgery incision itches every once in a while and I suffer slight imbalance every now and then. Nonetheless, my balance has improved since my acoustic neuroma surgery.

As for experiencing other negative side effects, I have none. I have no facial nerve damage, no dry eye, no intense headaches, etc... Nonetheless, the biggest positive side effect....I've experienced is a huge appreciation for life, my remaining hearing, and spiritual growth.

Regardless, I will not kid you - dealing with hearing loss is frustrating and hard at times, but you know what? I'm so appreciative of the hearing I have left that the positive outweighs the frustration. I can't begin to describe how it feels to hear my favorite song. I savor every single sound. I'm so very grateful to hear....period. At some point, I'll post an entire article on hearing loss and how it impacts my life.

Life is Good!

Amazingly, my acoustic neuroma brain tumor caused something very positive to happen to me. I've had the opportunity to meet at least four other people with successful surgery outcomes as well. The really interesting part is that I didn't seek these people out, we just found each other. I met one woman who is a member of my Toastmaster's club. She had surgery to remove her brain tumor three times. I was amazed, because this woman lost hearing in her left ear and the multiple surgeries did cause facial nerve damage to alter the appearance of her face. Nonetheless, this woman is so positive and grateful that she's a complete joy to be around.

There Are Others With Positive AN Experiences

I also learned that my Orkin man had an acoustic neuroma removed in 1998. He's completely deaf in his left ear as well. Again, he's another very positive and happy person. Lastly, I've met an individual at my old place of employment who successfully had his brain tumor removed in 2002. He was so encouraging to me as I went through my ordeal. He told me that the hospital stay was the worse part of his ordeal. I agree. It's strange when I think of how terrified I was of the surgery itself, but I can't remember any of it. One minute I was taken to the operating room, the next I wake up in recovery.

Your Attitude Is So Important!

You know, I still believe my approach and attitude in dealing with my brain tumor made all the difference in the world for my recovery. So for those of you dealing with a serious health issue or a family member with a serious health issue, seek as much information as you can. Try not to just focus on the negative. Lastly, never forget that there are many people out there who have been in your shoes and have successfully recovered. So, be strong, keep your spirits up, and focus on a positive outcome.