by Ronald Phelps
I had surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma. The tumor was benign, and the surgery itself went well. For that, I am deeply grateful.
What I did not expect was how different life would feel afterward.
When I woke up, I found myself in a completely new world. I could no longer hear on my left side. I had double vision, facial paralysis, and serious balance problems. Everything felt unfamiliar and disorienting. It was strange and frightening in ways I had never experienced before.
At times, it felt as though my body had forgotten how to do things it once knew automatically. Walking did not come naturally. Speaking was difficult. Even simple movements required intense focus and effort. I had to relearn skills I once took for granted.
Recovery took a long time. Therapy became a regular part of my life, and progress was slow. Some days were frustrating. Some days were exhausting. But through it all, I held on to gratitude. The tumor was not cancer. I was alive. That knowledge carried me forward when the road felt overwhelming.
Over time, my perspective began to change. My attitude shifted from fighting what I had lost to accepting what remained. I still live with balance issues. I still have no hearing on my left side. These challenges are part of my daily life now, and I have learned to make peace with them.
In many ways, I feel like I died and was reborn. The person I am now sees the world differently. I am more patient. More appreciative. More aware of how fragile and precious life really is.
To anyone reading this who is going through something similar, I want you to know this: this experience will change your life in many ways. Some of those changes will be hard. Some will surprise you. Hang in there. Give yourself time. Healing looks different for everyone, but it does come.
You may not return to the life you had before, but you will find your way forward. And one day, you will see just how strong you really are.
