Joshua's Journey-Acoustic Neuroma

Little background about what is going on...

May of last year Josh was leaving the gym and a big protruding vein popped up on his temple. Wasn't sure what it was or why it was happening and went to the ER. 

The ER doctor kind of blew it off due to him having just been at the gym and diagnosed it as plebitis, which is a blown vessel usually caused by getting an IV or a blood infection. None of that was valid and he followed up with his regular doctor. She ordered a CT Scan which came back ok and then moved forward with a MRI. 

The MRI showed an acoustic neuroma in his auditory canal. It's not cancerous and is slow growing but can cause balance issues, hearing impairment along with a bunch of other things. While they weren't thinking a tumor when the MRI was ran, once was found and has since started this journey. 

It has been be monitored for a while and had another MRI December 2022. It had grown some, and Josh's symptoms were progressing. Lost hearing for about 2 weeks, passed out, and losing balance. The neurosurgeons he was seeing at Erlanger referred him to Duke. They said based on Josh's age and his symptoms progressing there was no need to keep dealing with the issues, if it could be removed and he go about his life. 

He met with Dr. Z March 2nd. He was very honest and explained his options. They aren't exactly what Josh wanted to hear but he knew where he stood. 

- Have surgery with 50/50 odds of keeping his hearing. Due to where it is and how it is growing the typical 70% dropped to 50% chance based on line of sight for not cutting the cochlear nerve.

- Wait and see in 5 years once it's grown and 100% chance of hearing loss and remove as usual plus deal with other symptoms from growth and possibly getting in brain stem. 

-Radiation could shrink it but also get into healthy brain tissue as well as will more than likely grow back and have to have surgery anyway. 

Josh opted for surgery where he will still have a chance to maintain his hearing. 

All prayers are greatly appreciated for success!

His recovery will be anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks depending on how he bounces back. From everything that has been read up on, facial paralyzise and balance are the biggest recovery issues.