going under the knife... update III

Met with the ENT specialist/surgeon yesterday..

He looked at my CT scan and told me that my tumor was bigger than he thought.. instead of just the size of a thumb, as seen externally, it is actually the size of a golf ball.. :x The specialist/surgeon (let's call him Mr. A*) was kind enough to allow me to take a photo of the CT scan.. so here it is..

I've circled e tumor in red..

He explained to me that although the tumor is benign for now, the chances of it turning malignant gets higher (starting from 10%) the longer it stays inside my body. He then proceed to inform me of the 3 risks if an operation is to be done, namely risk of facial nerve damage, Frey's syndrome and scarring. So the worst case scenario will be having an ugly scar, can't move the right side of my face and sweating and/or redness on the affected area. Compared to the possibility of that tumor turning malignant, I take those 3 risks anytime..

I told Mr. A about my move to Taiwan for my PhD, and requested for the surgery to be done in July, if possible. After intensely scrutinizing his packed schedule, he was kind enough to squeeze me in.. so I was to be his last surgery patient on July 12. I were to be admitted the day before for all the necessary checks and dieting.. the surgery is to take about 2 - 3 hours..

In short, I will be admitted on July 11, surgery on July 12 and hopefully be discharged on July 13.  Not too sure exactly what time my operation will start (and end).. so I hope you all can wish me the best of luck and give me your prayers on July 12 for a smooth uncomplicated surgery.



A trivia about surgeons: They are referred to as Mr and Ms, instead of the usual Dr.