Thursday, December 24, 2015

Toxic secretions from intracranial tumor damage the inner ear | EurekAlert! Science News

Toxic secretions from intracranial tumor damage the inner ear | EurekAlert! Science News

Monday, December 21, 2015

January 16th, 2016 Meeting

Mark your calendars! First meeting of the new year will be a tour of the
  San Diego Gamma Knife Center. 

Date: Jan. 16th
Time: 1:00 - 4:00

Topics: Tour of the center and an overview of gamma knife technology presented by Dr. Kenneth Ott, Neurosurgeon. Following the tour we will have a caring and sharing gathering.

To RSVP: Helen McHargue, local support group leader/facilitator at 760-728-0309 or email: foodsmarts@gmail.com

San Diego Gamma Knife Center
9834 Genesee Ave. #110
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-452-5020 or coordinator, Paul Loflin at 858-204-9155

Directions can be found at www.sdgkc.com/about/directions/

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

On the Acoustic Neuroma Friends Facebook page, we asked what items one should pack up to take to the hospital for surgery. Following are the suggestions:


  • A sleeping mask to block out light
  • One ear plug (or two if you still have hearing in both ears) - hospitals can be soooo noisy.
  • Pajamas (2 pairs) with a button front top and with wide sleeves to accommodate IV lines. 
  • Slippers with non-skid soles and which will stay securely on your feet. Not scuffie type.
  • Recharging plugs for your electronic devices. Bring a long cord.
  • Hard candies to suck - many people complained about dry throat.
  • Hand lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Normal grooming items: deodorant, hairbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush. 
  • Box of chocolates or candies for nurses. They will really appreciate it.
  • Glasses with one temple removed (so it doesn't interfere with bandages).
  • Sunglasses, preferably wrap-around for the ride home.
  • Make sure you have nice clean sheets to slip into when you get home. 
  • Everybody should have one of these T-shirts:
R E Henkel Brem. Brain Surgery Survivor. Picture from Acoustic Neuroma Friends Facebook page.




Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Support Group Meeting August 15th, 2015


Mark your calendars!!



SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP MEETING INVITATION
Please plan to join us at the next meeting of your local Acoustic Neuroma Support Group.
We welcome you to learn about the latest treatment options, to network with other acoustic neuroma patients and find encouragement and support.

DATE/TIME:
Saturday, August 15th, 2015
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE NEW MEETING LOCATION:
San Diego Public Library – Rancho Bernardo Branch
17110 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA  92128
MAP/DIRECTIONS:  See back of invitation.

TOPICS:
Health Benefits of Tai Chi and Its Role in Rehabilitation
Presented by Patricia Hoekman, 14 year Tai Chi Practitioner and Private Instructor
Be prepared to participate – dress with mobility in mind.  Tai chi is especially useful for improving balance and preventing falls—a major concern for acoustic neuroma patients because it targets all the physical components needed to stay upright—leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes.
Meet and Greet, Caring and Sharing, Group Discussion Time
Please bring a snack to share.  Bottled water will be available free of charge.  

TO RSVP, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS:
Wanda Crook, Local Support Group Leader/Facilitator
Phone 760-315-2599 or Email:  movementlearningcenter@att.net
Helen McHargue, Local Support Group Leader/Facilitator
Phone 760-728-0309 or Email:  foodsmarts@gmail.com
Wanda Crook, PT, and Helen McHargue, an acoustic neuroma post-treatment patient, will facilitate meeting.

●NOTE Social Media Sites
Facebook - Acoustic Neuroma Association San Diego Support Group (ANASDSG)
ANA San Diego Support Group Blog - www.anasandiegosupport.blogspot.com
Who should attend?  Family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend.
Benefits of attending a local support group include communicating in a nurturing, non-judgmental environment with others who have shared a common acoustic neuroma experience; sharing information on dealing with specific problems, educational opportunities about the latest acoustic neuroma topics of interest; and providing emotional support to all patients, both pre- and post-treatment. This helps in reducing the isolation and loneliness that many acoustic neuroma patients feel.



Directions

Note New Meeting Location:  San Diego Public Library Rancho Bernardo Branch
17110 Bernardo Center Drive
Rancho Bernardo, CA 92128

Directions:
From I-15 north or south, take Rancho Bernardo Rd (exit 26) east bound.
At first traffic light, Bernardo Center Drive, turn left. 
Turn left again on Park Terrace, driving uphill towards Hilton Garden Inn/Kaiser Permanente/24 hour fitness and the UBS building. The library is on the left in a complex with Souplantation and Stir Fry Mongolian Grill.







Note: This location is about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Lip reading

Free lip reading lessons.


https://www.lipreading.org/lipreading-missing-words

Friday, March 13, 2015

Join us on Saturday May 16th at the La Jolla Library!






SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP MEETING INVITATION
Please plan to join us at the next meeting of your local Acoustic Neuroma Support Group.
We welcome you to learn about the latest treatment options, to network with other acoustic neuroma patients and find encouragement and support.

DATE/TIME:
Saturday, May 16, 2015
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE NEW MEETING LOCATION:
San Diego Public Library - La Jolla-Riford Branch
7555 Draper Avenue at Pearl Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
MAP/DIRECTIONS:  See back of invitation.

TOPICS:  ● Making the Most of your Health Care Visits
● Strategies for Selecting a Medical Professional
● Questions to Ask Before, During and After Treatment
When initially diagnosed, few patients have a clear idea of where to turn in their selection of a qualified medical professional for treatment of their tumor or the questions to ask.  Please join us for a group discussion to help prepare you for your acoustic neuroma journey and feel more confident in the treatment you choose, as well as specialists that can provide post-treatment therapies and rehabilitation.  We will also discuss tips to help you make the most of your doctor appointments, so you can be actively engaged and communicate effectively with your health care team. 
● Caring and Sharing

TO RSVP, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS:
Wanda Crook, Local Support Group Leader/Facilitator
Phone 760-315-2599 or Email:  movementlearningcenter@att.net
Helen McHargue, Local Support Group Leader/Facilitator 
Phone 760-728-0309 or Email:  foodsmarts@gmail.com
Wanda Crook, PT, and Helen McHargue, an acoustic neuroma post-treatment patient, will facilitate meeting.

●NOTE Social Media Sites
Facebook - Acoustic Neuroma Association San Diego Support Group (ANASDSG)
ANA San Diego Support Group Blog - www.anasandiegosupport.blogspot.com
Who should attend?  Family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend.
Benefits of attending a local support group include communicating in a nurturing, non-judgmental environment with others who have shared a common acoustic neuroma experience; sharing information on dealing with specific problems, educational opportunities about the latest acoustic neuroma topics of interest; and providing emotional support to all patients, both pre- and post-treatment. This helps in reducing the isolation and loneliness that many acoustic neuroma patients feel.




Directions

Take the La Jolla Parkway Exit from the I5 freeway.
Follow the road which turns into Torrey Pines Rd. 
Go 1.5 miles and turn left onto Girard Ave. 
Take 1st right onto Pearl Street for .2 miles. 
Turn right onto Draper Avenue. 
Library is on the right. 






USC Surgery on Litlle Leaguer

http://news.usc.edu/77196/thanks-to-usc-neurosurgeons-little-leaguer-is-back-in-the-game/

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Meeting Saturday, February 21st, 2015


ACOUSTIC NEUROMA ASSOCIATION



SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP MEETING INVITATION
Please plan to join us at the next meeting of your local Acoustic Neuroma Support Group.
We welcome you to learn about the latest treatment options, to network with other acoustic neuroma patients and find encouragement and support.

DATE/TIME:
Saturday, February 21, 2015
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
NOTE:  PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE PROMPTLY AT 12:45 PM AND MEET AT THE SECURITY DESK, THE CONFERENCE ROOM IS NOT ACCESSIBLE WITHOUT A SECURITY ESCORT.

PLEASE NOTE NEW MEETING LOCATION:
Scripps Proton Therapy Center Main Conference Room
9730 Summers Ridge Road
San Diego, CA 92121
PARKING/DIRECTIONS:  See attachment.

TOPICS:
● Overview of Proton Therapy and Radiation Treatment Options for Acoustic Neuroma
Presented by Ryan Grover, MD, Radiation Oncologist
● Tour of Proton Therapy Center

PLEASE RSVP WITH YOUR LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS:
NOTE:  An RSVP is appreciated and is extremely helpful in planning successful meetings!
Wanda Crook, Local Support Group Leader/Facilitator
Phone 760-315-2599 or Email:  movementlearningcenter@att.net
Helen McHargue, Local Support Group Leader/Facilitator
Phone 760-728-0309 or Email:  foodsmarts@gmail.com
Wanda Crook, PT, and Helen McHargue, an acoustic neuroma post-treatment patient, will facilitate meeting.

●NOTE Social Media Sites
Facebook - Acoustic Neuroma Association San Diego Support Group (ANASDSG)
ANA San Diego Support Group Blog - www.anasandiegosupport.blogspot.com
Who should attend?  Family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend.
Benefits of attending a local support group include communicating in a nurturing, non-judgmental environment with others who have shared a common acoustic neuroma experience; sharing information on dealing with specific problems, educational opportunities about the latest acoustic neuroma topics of interest; and providing emotional support to all patients, both pre- and post-treatment. This helps in reducing the isolation and loneliness that many acoustic neuroma patients feel.