Got questions?

So I'm at four years and eight months post pleomorphic adenoma removal surgery on my right parotid gland. Throughout my recovery I've posted notes on this blog, but the past two years I haven't had much to write. Honestly, it's because I'm doing good. The incision has healed beautifully, the scar is barely noticeable, and I've regained the feeling in my lower right earlobe. 

The numbness in my earlobe took quite a long time to resolve. Years. But nerves regenerate very slowly, or so I'm told, so I've waited patiently and every few weeks I'd squeeze my earlobe to check and see if I had any feeling. I'm happy to say, at some point I was able to fully feel the pinch and there was no longer a tingle in my ear. As I pinch both earlobes now,  I can't feel any difference between the two. They are both fully aware of being pinched.

As for the incision, if I run my finger down my neck starting at the base of my earlobe (along the scar), I immediately feel nauseous and sick. It's very sensitive along the incision line, but what's funny is you can barely notice it's there. And with it being on the side on my neck, I rarely, like a few times a year, notice it. Definitely when the kids wrap their arms around me and their little fingers hit along the scar, but they are careful and usually avoid it. Maybe when I'm putting on a scarf in the winter. Never when I'm working out, eating, shopping, folding laundry, cleaning, or doing any of the other million things I do throughout my days.

Would I have the surgery again? Absolutely, without a doubt! But I would still visit a few surgeons and see who I'm most comfortable with, who answers all my questions and calms all my fears. Thankfully Dr. Ara Chalian was that surgeon for me, down at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. If you live near Philadelphia, I highly suggest you make an appointment with him. It's worth the wait, I promise. 

Do not rush your decisions on treatment and do not rush to have surgery. Sit down with a few doctors and get their opinions, then see what you feel most comfortable with. I can't stress that enough. I'd love to hear from you all if you've had surgery and how your recovery is doing. Also, please feel free to ask any questions here, there's lots of folks who have been through this and can chime in to help guide you along the way.

xoxox,

Kym