United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

After much research, discussion, and reflection, I have decided to go ahead w/ the surgery to remove the huge nerve tumor on BP. Dr. Nath has a very good plan, with incredible credentals, resourses, experience(even w/ tumor removals), and ability. I believe I am in great hands and as he will do his part, and I will do my part to make sure I heal as fully as possible.

I have lots of support, positive thoughts, and prayer being sent my way, and I am not one to stay in a bad situation for fear of what MIGHT happen. The odds are in my favor for a good outcome, and leaving the tumor in could very likely have bad consequenses, if not downright deadly. I have always been an amazingly fast healer, esp w/ a combo of some homopathy, hypnotherapy, accupunture and reg meds and PT, so I feel pretty positive, just naturally a little nervous of the unknown, etc.

We fly Tue Sept 23rd and Surg is Wed Sept the 24th, and hope to be back by Fri, if no complications.

I will keep posted!

Null

I am sure this was a very hard decision and you are in the hands of and excellent physician.

You did not make this decision lightly and I am sure that you not only investigated but choose your physician carefully.

I wish you well and hope to hear of great relief after this surgery.
Please keep us posted
Kath

Null,
Glad to hear that you have come to a decision! If my insurance stuff works out I will be in TX on the 25th of September too! I will keep you informed! Maybe I'll see you there! Good luck anyway!
Courtney

Good luck, take care & safe journey :0)

Cool...we are staying at the Best Western Park Plaza suites b/c it had good surg rates, plus less than mile from Med Center, has shuttle, walking distance to restraunts and groceries both of which also deliver, and rooms have data port, king or 2 doubles, sleeper sofas, and 2 TVs, micro and fridge, and comp Bfast with waffles, and W & D near.

Where r u staying?

PS thanks to all of your support!

Null, I posted ya earlier, just wanted to let you know hat you will be in our thoughts and prayers. The 24th is my birthday!! How amazing that 32 years later here i just had the mod quad done and now you are getting your tumor removed!!! That's just exciting to me. You ARE in the best of care there. Dr. Nath is fabulous!! Again, best of luck to you. Your in my prayers. *HUG*

Null,
I am calling today to get reservations for hotel. Still havent done that yet. I will let you know as soon as I do!
Courtney

Null,

Good luck on your surgery. To have surgery takes a lot of thought process. Dr Nath preformed the mod quad on me 5 weeks ago yesterday. I just turned 32. He is a GREAT doctor.

Deanna

I read this and thought I would throw it out here.

Neurosurgery Quarterly 2003; 13(1):1-19
Operative Management of Brachial Plexus Injuries and Tumors
Daniel H. Kim *; Yong-Jun Cho *; Robert L. Tiel †; David G. Kline †
Summary:
The objective of this review is to contribute information that improves surgical outcomes and to provide management guidelines for various lesions of the brachial plexus. This review was based on the analysis of 1,019 cases of brachial plexus injuries, entrapment, and tumors that were surgically treated at Louisiana State University Medical Center between 1968 and 1998. We describe surgical outcomes of 859 cases, excluding 160 thoracic outlet syndrome cases. Mechanisms of injury included 509 stretch injuries, 118 gunshot wounds (GSWs), 71 lacerations, and 161 neural sheath tumors. Functional outcomes after surgical repair are encouraging. A functional recovery of grade 3 or better was seen in 87% of the stretch injury cases having lesions in continuity, 71% of those repaired with sutures, and 53% of those that underwent graft repairs. In the GSW group, 129 of 202 of the injured plexus elements that had suffered complete loss recovered to grade 3 or better levels. In comparison, 85 of the 91 lesions with incomplete loss of function eventually recovered. Of the lacerating injuries that were repaired, more than 65% of the elements recovered to a grade 3 or better level. Of the 161 neural sheath tumors arising from brachial plexus, most schwannomas and solitary neurofibromas were resected without significant deficits. These surgical results suggest that surgical exploration and repair of brachial plexus lesions are technically feasible and may obtain favorable outcomes if patients are selected appropriately. This review provides management guidelines that may enhance functional outcomes of brachial plexus surgery.

Null,
We are staying at the same hotel as well. We are checking in on the 25th. I checked around too see about hotel prices are some are just rediculous! Thank so the info about the hotel! See ya there and GOOD LUCK!
Courtney