Three Days Till...

Hello everyone. This is Mike's (Loose Screws as you all know him) son Michael. This is my first ever attempt at a blog so give me a chance...haha.
As you know, my dad is about to have his surgery in three days. He has asked me to carry on his blog for him while he is down. So, I will be inputting my ideas, feelings, and views before, during and after the surgery.
To be completely honest, I am scared. When I first heard the news about this whole thing, I was completely blown away. I mean it's not like he has a baseball size tumor in his head, but that's where it took me. As I did more research about AN, I felt a little more at ease. The whole procedure (don't get me wrong) is a pretty crazy process. I am glad that I get to be there for my dad because he has always been there for me. When I was growing up, I knew right from wrong and did wrong anyway, and he was there. My step brother, step mother, my grandmother and I will be staying at the hospital with my dad until he is ready to go home.
So a little about myself. I am 25 yrs old with two beautiful daughters (as I'm sure you've seen the pics) living in peaceful little Lomita, CA. I probably could throw a rock and hit my dad's house. I wouldn't do that of course...haha. I work at a publishing company in Commerce and faithfully go to work every day. Okay, enough of me...
I am glad that my dad has an outlet to talk and meet people who all have had, or who are newly diagnosed with AN. I thank everyone for being there because I'm sure it makes everyone happy to know that they are not alone. So, I wondered what the leopard print scarf was in his pocket. He took me to the computer and showed me the pictures of everyone with it. I thought his screws got real loose! But after he enlightened me on the whole Magic Scarf concept, it made me feel better now knowing that my dad has faith that everything is going to be okay.
So on that note, I am closing out, taking a shower and going to bed. You will be hearing from me soon... Good Night Everyone-

Final pre-op Good to go

This was the second most day I've thought about for the last few weeks, The final pre-op testing and meeting my neurosurgeon for the first and last time before surgery on monday.

Dr Schwartz, the neurosurgeon who will seperate all the wires in the harness and figure out which one goes where while trying not to touch the wrong ones and cut the right one met with my mother and I today to explain the process and answer all my questions. He actually did a excellent job. I only had about a hundred or so questions for him when he was done explaining things.

Today was also the day where they test your hearing, brainstem response and your balance. Here is the first test of the day. This one takes place in a recliner. Not bad.

This next test was a balance test. They put these goggles on you then blast your ears with cold and hot water. During this test they watch your eyes (you can see them on the monitor). It does make you feel dizzy.

Now come on how could you not want a brain tumor? Take a look at these sweet young ladies they have testing you. HEIs Nichole Greene and Laura Hernandez.

After the testing and consultation with Dr. Schwartz we were very lucky to meet a group of the most compassionate people that you could ever meet.

This is Dennis. He's here from Michigan with his wife Julie and he just had his tumor removed Wednesday Nov. the 4th, only 9 days ago. No, that's not piece of lingerie from one of the girls above he's handing to me, it's the famous magic scarf. It gets passed from one AN patient for surgery to the next waiting to have surgery. Since the discovery of my tumor I've gotten to know the last three people who've had possession of this magic scarf, Cheryl, Amy and Dennis. And they all lived. I've been fortunate enough to communicate with all three through there surgeries and they all have helped me more then they realize. Before Dennis getting the scarf I believe it's always been a girls thing. Way to go Dennis, it just proves that were not homophobes and were willing to take whatever magic there maybe in this scarf.

This is the welcoming committee in LA who greet all those who come to the House Ear Institute from all over the country and I think I heard them say they even have met some international visitors, to have their Acoustic Neuromas removed. You will never meet a nicer more compassionate group of people then Nancy and David and others who couldn't make it today. They come on their own free time to comfort others and answer any questions you might have, having gone through the surgery themselves. I know Dennis and I were both very thankful for their kindness. Well in a few days I can proudly wear my scar like these others and then I'll really fit in. The others that were their were my mother Diane and Dennis's wife Julie. We had a nice time.

Thanks to everyone who's given me words of encouragement.

Mike