I made my yearly trek down to the U to meet with audiology and my surgeons. I’m happy that these trips get less and less impactful as far as the emotions that I have leading up to them. It sure brings back a lot of memories though. 

First I had my hearing test. Surprise!!! My left ear still doesn’t work! Haha! My right ear is something we keep a close eye on because if I start losing hearing in that ear I’m obviously going to have some more challenges. I’m aware that I need to do a good job of taking care of my hearing in that ear.  My right ear was good and well within normal ranges. Yay! 

Next, I met with my surgeons (actually only one came this time). She asked a few questions and they checked my face to see how it has recovered due to the facial nerve damage. They seemed happy with what they saw. I have continued to meet with my functional neurologist up here in Grand Rapids on a regular basis. He works with me on improving and maintaining my vestibular system and has been instrumental in my recovery. I feel such a difference when I see him and I feel the improvements in my every day life. Ok, back to the surgeon. She talked about my MRI from a couple weeks ago and said everything looked as it should. She said that I still need to get an MRI and go see her next year BUT if things go well next year I might be able to start seeing her every two years! This is so exciting! It means that the sliver of tumor that was left (to save irreversible damage to my facial nerve) is not showing any growth. No tumor growth = good! If this continues, my visits and MRIs get less and less. In fact during my last MRI I was thinking about how many I’ve had so far (you have some serious time to think while trying to stay as still as a statue). I’m pretty sure I’m up to 6 now so I’ll be happy each year that I’m not required to do one. We talked about headaches, dizziness, facial numbness, fatigue, and all the other fun things that continue after having this tumor/surgery. I’m basically where I should be after dealing with everything. I’m so thankful for that. 

My tiny challenge (but it feels big) up ahead is that my CROS (hearing aid that bumps noise from my left side to my right) needs some repair so it has been sent off for a few weeks. This means that I have nothing to help me hear on that side and usually means I’m a bit more dizzy than my “normal” dizzy. It also means that if I do not respond to someone it’s because I truly can’t hear them. It will be an adjustment after feeling so spoiled with the gift of “hearing” on that side. I will be very happy when I get it back and I’m sure it will increase my appreciation for them. 

Well, that’s it…that’s the news. I feel like we could all use a good news message so here it is. Again I’m so thankful for everyone who has been so supportive. It’s been quite a ride, but I’m feeling very blessed right now. 

Hug your family, spread kindness, and always say I love you. 

Heather