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Mr. L. is a 60-year-old man who called me after his doctor told him he had an acoustic neuroma, which is a benign tumor that grows along the acoustic nerve in the brain. He was feeling overwhelmed and just could not absorb what he was being told. I reassured him that while this was a serious situation, the tumor was benign and that he would come out of this OK.
I gathered information about acoustic neuromas, their cause, treatment options and long term recovery. Together we made a list of questions to ask the specialist. The treatment options were explained and after discussions with his family and me, radiation was chosen over a surgical removal. I explained to Mr. L and his family how this procedure works and what he would be experiencing during and after it. After he got home, there were several days when he felt weak and tired. I spoke with his wife, offering suggestions about what types of nourishment to give him and to make sure that the pain medications were taken regularly and not to wait until the pain was too great. It has been several months--Mr. L is back to work, and the acoustic neuroma is gradually resolving.
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