Just about 10 years and all is well!

Wow, hard to believe it's been almost TEN years since I had surgery to remove a pleomorphic adenoma from my right parotid gland. I would go through the surgery again in a heartbeat, as I believe it was a total success. I have no pains, tingling, or any long-term problems. 

The scar is ever-so-faint in front of, and down below, my right ear. If I remember to have someone photograph it this week, I'll come back and post a picture. But truly it is unremarkable. And I can honestly say no one has ever stared at it or asked questions, that's how hard it is to really see. Which is amazing given the size of the incisions they had to make in order to peel away to reach the parotid gland and tumor.

I don't have anything else much exciting to share on here, as life has been perfectly normal. Busy with our childrens' sports and activities, but it's a good busy. They are 15 and 13, which means we only have a few years left with them in the house so we are trying to savor every moment with them. Whether it's cheering them on at baseball, soccer, or track, or just running them around for high school and junior high activities, we really love every exhausting second of it. 

As I write this post, we are getting ready to head out for the semifinals of the 2021 12U PA South East Cal Ripken State Tournament. Our son's team will be playing and my husband is one of the coaches, so please wish us luck!

Hard to believe it's been 8 years

It's been 8 years since I had the surgery to remove the benign pleomorphic adenoma that was growing on my right parotid gland in my jaw. 8 years. And as I look back on this blog, I am so happy I documented my recovery to go back and remember what I went through, and to help others who may be recently diagnosed, contemplating surgery, or recovering from undergoing surgery.

8 years. And I would do it all over again if I found out I had another pleomorphic adenoma growing in my face or neck.

I honestly haven't given any thought to my jaw/neck or the surgery in a few years. I can barely see the scars - Dr. Ara Chalian did an amazing job - and I don't have any pains, tingling, or other lingering issues.

Now, I have to admit, I don't eat sour candies or food because I know that may cause a tingling in the right side of my face as it stimulates the area of the surgery. But I certainly don't miss it or think twice about it.

The area is no longer prone to pain during cold weather, as it was the first few years after surgery. And I can wear earmuffs, headphones, etc with no problems whatsoever.

If you're contemplating surgery, seek multiple opinions and talk to several surgeons. Don't rush the decision. But also don't procrastinate and risk it developing into something else or causing problems in your body. 

That's all the update I have for you. Just wanted to provide something since I just realized it will be 8 years this coming week, and I haven't updated this website in a few years.

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