April 8 - 5 pm - The Tumor is Out!

Talked with Drs Shelton and Reichman and they indicated the surgery was very successful to this point. They were able to remove the entire tumor and confirmed that it was a big, benign acoustic neuroma, which means it is not cancerous. As they monitored the facial nerve, they indicated that it was functioning well, but she will have some facial weakness for a while (droopy eye and smile). However, they indicated they believe the odds of it returning to full function and healing completely are very good.

They were true to their word with the head shaving. She has some of the side and back on the right-side ear area shaved, but other than that a full head of hair and she looks great. Granted, there is a huge gauze wrap around her head and the right side where they went in behind the ear, but I think she looks great.

As Mandy wakes up, she's apparently going to have to deal with some intense nausea and vertigo because the balance nerve on the right side was wrecked by the tumor and its removal. The only way to improve is for her to get up and try walking around so the body can adjust. I have to play bad guy for the next few days and try to get her out of bed when that's the last thing she'll want to do. Hopefully she doesn't remember much of that part.

We have been very blessed to be at this point. Your prayers and thoughts have been so helpful, and I know they will be therapeutic as Mandy goes through the difficult recovery process. We are so thankful for friends and family that have expressed love and concern, and have been so caring. We're not out of the woods yet, but I think there is a clearing ahead!