3 weeks to go!

Well my surgery is 3 weeks from today. I'm grateful to have time to plan but it really starts to consume you after a while. Especially when you know you're going to feel worse before you're going to feel better. I say let's get on with the better!

We went to the ENT today for my balance test results and I failed. Not too miserably but there were definitely some balance and hearing issues on the left side. This was done basically to give them a base line to compare after the surgery. They are hoping my balance/dizziness will correct itself after the surgery. There is some rehab that can be done if not. The hearing...well it's just not going to be there at all on that side so nothing to correct. I'm just hoping that the pain in the ear will be gone...they feel pretty confident that it will.

This doctor felt good about the decision we had made...to go to Cincinnati and have the surgery. He's the one that told us to keep our second opinion appointment and then gave us Dr. Pensak's name (the doctor we got to see at the last minute who specializes in Acoustic Neuroma's) so he was more than pleased when we told him our plan of attack. He also said that he would be more than happy to help in any way possible after the surgery...for testing, therapy/rehab or whatever so we didn't have to travel as much. He's a very kind and caring doctor.

I feel so lucky with the people that are helping us through this. We knew nothing about brain tumors until after Christmas. We're so grateful to have such a great team of doctors helping us and teaching us more and more so we can get through this the best way possible.

I was contacted the other day by a wonderful woman. I have to share this story b/c she was so inspiring and amazing. Her name is Lynn and she lives in our town. I have had probably 15 people ask me if I knew her and without knowing people have been asking her if she knew me. She got my number from a mutual friend and called me. I’m so glad that she did. She has had 3 brain surgeries in the last 9 mos. and has the best attitude. We don’t have the exact same tumor but a lot of our story is similar so she really gave me some wonderful information about what to expect, not to expect, etc. etc.! I can’t thank her enough…and those in our community that made it possible for us to connect. God is working hard for me and my loved ones and I just feel so blessed.

Sorry this was so lengthy but I gave y’all a break for a couple days and you know me…the stories go on and on and on! Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, concerns and thoughts. God has heard them all and I have felt them all. I’m forever grateful! Love to you all, Jen!