Checking in

wallan

Hi girls:

    It is great to read the 5 year + survival post and see all the positive posts! I too am one of them for I am 6 years out this coming March. NED still.. and counting.

  Last time I posted I told you all about my unrelenting depression. Well, it is under control somewhat. Drugs really work. LOL.. I am starting an exercise regime too and I know this will really really help. Hopefully I will lose treatment induced weight gain!

  As well, off topic, I have been hard-of-hearing since my teenage years. I am 47 now (almost). I wear hearing aids in both ears and have for 25 years. Anyways, last week, I had surgery on one ear to improve my hearing. It was risky and  there is a chance it won't work.

Well, it worked!! I was at the surgeons office this morning and they tested my hearing in that ear and it is normal!! It is incredible to be able to hear. I didn't appreciate how deaf I really was. I mean, the sounds I hear now. I almost thought my hearing issue was more of an inconvenience than anything. Most of the time my hearing aids were broken so I didn't wear them much. But now, I notice what I was missing. Music is so sweet! I didn't know cars were so noisy when driving. I have turned the volume on the radio down from 22 to 7!! I can hear my dog bark. I know these sound trivial, but to me it is a miracle.  My 13 year old son says I hear better than he does now!

Once I have been stably hearing for a few months, I can have the other ear done.

There is life after all this BC crap. You just have to have faith and believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hang on girls! You will get thru it!

Wallan 

everyminute

I am so happy for you, Wendy! 

pupfoster1

Wow,

Great post Wallan, and one I needed to hear as I am a relatively new stage 3er.  You give me hope and inspiration for the future. Thank you for that!

And congrats on the successful surgery! Hope all goes well so you can get to the other ear asap!

Take care,

Sharon

lexislove

Thanks for the update Wallan.

Another long timer out living her life. Just what we all like to hear!

clariceak

Congrats on the succesful surgery and thanks for sharing your story.  We love these positive threads.

YATCOMW

I so hope you will put your story with the other girls on the "pinned" five year thread so it doesn't get lost....... I know Sherri's idea of having everyone post in one place just gives everyone sooooooo much hope that they will be in your shoes....

Thrilled for you on the hearing.......must be sooo cool.

Jacqueline 

Gitane

Hi Wallan,  This is nothing but good news!  6 years out is good; I sincerely hope to reach that mark in 2 years.  You inspire me!  Being able to hear well now must change so much in your world.  I'm very happy this surgery was able to do this for you.  It's also wonderful to hear that the depression is slowly beginning to lessen it's hold.  It takes time.  The exercise will really help move things along, too.  Your update has made my day. Thanks. G.

JacquelineG

What a wonderful story - thanks for sharing!!!

Jackie

karen1956

Great news!!!  What type surgery did you have for your hearing?  I have a moderate hearing loss in right ear and have most if not all of my life.  It was first picked up when I was 5 or 6 or something like that.  I am convinced that my hearing has gotten worse since finishing Tx...but of course I have not had a recent hearing eval.  I do have a hearing aid, but haven't worn it for 4 years....I had it only a year when Dx and when I went bald, I quite wearing it....then it hasn't been working and I have not gotten around to having it checked.  One of these days, a hearing eval will be added to my agenda, not just thought about!!!!  I',m so happy for you.  Karen

helena67

Wonderful that you are doing so much better!!!

-Helena.

KerryMac

Wendy - so great to hear you are doing so well! I can even tell by the tone of your post that things are going better. I am really happy for you.

caaclark

Wendy,

I am so glad you posted.  You sound like you are doing much better than the last time you posted.  I am really glad things are improving for you.  The hearing thing is amazing!

lexi4

Wendy,

It is good to see your post. I am excited that your ear surgery was succesful! That is great!! I am thankful that you are feeling better.

Hugs,

Lexi

jenn3

Wonderful - thank you for sharing your story!!!!

SpunkyGirl

Wendy,

That is so awesome!  Congratulations.  I think this is a great example of the many things that most of us take for granted!  Maybe it will help ease your depression also to gain so many new experiences.  I hope your other ear surgery goes just as well. 

Hugs

bobbie

NancyD

Thanks for posting such an uplifting story! I'm always happy to hear that one of us has "recovered" enough to face another challenge...and beat it!

Anonymous

That's such great news!  It helps to hear positive outcomes with fellow stage 3ers.

Barb

AsiaYM

Excellent!  So happy for you.  I am curious about the type of surgery you had as my DH has hearing problem too. Karen

wallan

Hi gals:

  For those enquiring minds, I have otosclerosis in my ears, meaning that the stapes bone in my middle ear is frozen because of abnormal calcium deposits.

  So, the surgery is called stapedectomy - the surgeon removed the stapes bone and inserted a prosthesis. It is microscopic surgery -- so cool!

  The surgeon is an ear, nose throat specialist -- an ENT.

Thanks for all your support 

Wendy 

lkc

Wendy, So glad to read your post and you are doing well.
Rock on!

SoCalLisa

Wendy, what wonderful news..a whole new world again