The last time I posted we had just emerged from a long and difficult winter. Peter was adjusting to the Vidaza treatments which had taken such a toll on him and was getting stronger.
We are happy and very grateful to report Peter is feeling terrific, his blood values are good, he even played tennis for the first time when we visited friends at their retreat in Friendship, Maine last weekend. We enjoyed lazy days in that bucolic setting, something we could not have done just a few months ago when Peter was neutropenic. One of the many highlights was seeing a big field lit up by fireflies under a star filled sky on our evening walk. And then there were those prehistoric looking horseshoe crabs mating in a cove!
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| Tori and Ted, our hosts, planting tomatoes |
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| Meadowsailing |
I have been putting off telling you about another challenge we are facing.
Last January while we were struggling with Peter's issues, I was diagnosed with a benign tumor on my brain, a rare condition called acoustic neuroma. I consulted with neurosurgeons and radiologists here and at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to help me decide what to do.
The neuroma has been growing for about 30 years and has reached a worrisome size, two and a half centimeters. I know now it wasn't red wine that caused those balance issues I have had for a while! Other symptoms are diminished hearing in my right ear and tingling on the right side of the face.
Long story short, the thing needs to come out. I would have liked to have it done here, but since it is a rare tumor, I have decided to go to Boston where this kind of operation is done routinely.
Through a series of lucky circumstances I was connected with Dr. Fred Barker of MGH who has performed this surgery for the past 20 years, last year alone he removed 80 acoustic neuromas.
My surgery will be in 3 days, June 12th. It will last 6 to 8 hours. The hearing on my right ear will be lost. There is a less than 5% chance of facial paralysis on that side, something I hope won't happen! Incidentally, the hole in my scull will be covered with MRI compatible titanium mesh, how about that!
After a 3 to 5 day hospital stay and 4 to 6 weeks of recuperation at home, I should be able to resume a normal life style.
I have been preparing myself by going to Pilates 3 times a week, visits with my osteopath and acupuncturist and concentrating on remaining calm. We will go to Boston Tuesday afternoon already since I have to be at MGH at 5:30 Wednesday morning. Before we leave I have another session with my osteopath followed by a private Pilates in the morning.
Heidi is taking precious vacation time to be with Peter and me during my hospital stay. We saw Ciara and Ysanne last night and they have plans to cook up a storm while I am out of commission.
In parting I would like to ask you to please send healing thoughts my way on Wednesday. Peter will keep you updated as to my progress. Thank you all.
