Cholesteatoma… Again.

So… two weeks ago I was pretty bummed out following what I thought would be a routine follow-up visit about my troubled ears. Unpleasant possibilities loomed, and since then, I’ve pretty much been mentally preparing for the worst… cholesteatoma’s return.

Today? It’s official. I’m no longer just a survivor of cholesteatoma. I’m a patient that’s got it again… in my “good” ear. Surgery is coming up in two weeks.

Having been through this before, I know it’s certainly not the end of the world. For those of you reading this who are going through the same (yes, I know Google brings you here), let this be an encouragement… the surgery can be done on an outpatient basis (no unpleasant hospital stays), the recovery is relatively quick (less than a week in most cases), and the outcome generally is very positive (especially if caught soon). Odds are you WILL hear again, though you may need hearing aids for things to be “normal” again.

Is that really such a big deal in the grand scheme of things?

Truly, it’s not. But the emotions that run with this can be VERY hard. And that’s okay.

Now, I’m not here to present some sort of grand 12-step program to coping with cholesteatoma. I don’t have a magic wand to wave and make it all go away. And I don’t have some trick you can play on yourself to make coping easy.

But I can tell you what helps me… my relationship with the Savior, Jesus.

In Him, I know that a power far greater than me is in control.
In Him, I know that there is purpose for my troubles.
In Him, I know there’s a far better future ahead.
In Him, I know that I’m not alone.

If you’re struggling just to cope (with ANYTHING, not just cholesteatoma), I pray you’d consider Christ. He’s there, willing and able to restore you to a right relationship with God the Father… willing and able to wipe away every tear, fear, and uncertainty… willing and able to provide hope and a future.

Maybe He’s calling to you in your time of trouble?

You see, as much as I’d like to, I can’t give you hope in your struggles. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and maybe put to rest some doubts and fears. But no number of eloquent words I can come up with will truly bring you comfort or help you cope. That’s an issue FAR above my pay grade, and all I can do is point you in the right direction.

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For more readings on my battle with cholesteatoma, check out these posts:

Also… if you want to connect with me and others battling cholesteatoma? Check out this Facebook page for “Cholesteatoma Survivors”.