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Priority Plans for the New Year

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Industry Observer with Retired

Priority Plans for the New Year

The January ActiveRain Challenge is to share some plans for the new year and the reasons for the new plans. Since I am retired, my goals and plans relate to personal needs and motivations rather than business goals.

On November 28, 2022, I was taken by ambulance to the hospital with a severe cas of vertigo. They thought I'd had a stroke. After much testing, they determined that I had no brain damage and I was released to go home the next day with instructions to see my physician. I was referred to a balance and physical therapy center and had months of sessions for balance and jaw pain. I also lost the hearing my left ear. Those sessions were followed my months of ENT visits for recurring ear infections. After two years of distressful issues, the ENT doctor told me that I have a case of cholesteatoma and referred me to a surgeon.

Cholesteatoma was a new word for me and I had to Google for the definition:

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells deep inside your ear. They're rare but, if left untreated, they can damage the delicate structures inside your ear that are essential for hearing and balance. A cholesteatoma can also lead to: an ear infection – causing discharge from the ear.

On December 4, I met with Dr. Wade Chien at the Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck surgery and was advised that I have an advanced case of cholesteatoma and it will require mastoidectomy surgery. With this procedure, an incision is made behind the ear. He said he might need to remove the ear canal as well. This is major surgery and it will require a recovery period. 

My pre-operation physical examination has been scheduled and I am waiting to receive a firm date for the surgery. 

You can easily see why the surgery is among my priority plans for the new year.

 

Orchids, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 1795
Canon PowerShot G11 Camera
Photograph by Roy Kelley
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Show All Comments Sort:
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Roy and I hope this surgery will take care of the problem.  I only had surgery twice now, all within the last 4 years, both time it corrected the problem.  Thank you for for entry

Jan 11, 2025 10:56 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Sending you lots of positive thoughts as you navigate this challenging road ahead, Roy Kelley. It's amazing how a simple Google search can lead to a life-changing diagnosis, and I'm grateful you shared your story to help raise awareness about cholesteatoma.

Jan 11, 2025 12:01 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Roy- I know you've been having some issues with balance and vertigo, and I'm thankful that you now have a diagnosis and plan of attack. Please keep us informed of when you will have surgery. Please know that we will all be sending prayers your way. 

Jan 11, 2025 12:08 PM
Sondra Meyer:
EXP Realty, LLC - Corpus Christi, TX
See It. Experience It. Live It.

Hi Roy, 

I am glad they have figured out the problem.   I’m glad that you plan to get this surgery done in the near future.      

I’ve always enjoyed your lovely photographs and look forward to seeing more this year.  

Jan 11, 2025 02:15 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jan 11, 2025 06:58 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I am so glad to read there is an explanation for your issues - my wishes for you are to get it taken care of successfully and then to heal quickly!

Jan 12, 2025 07:10 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Roy - thank you for this update.   Like so many ActiveRain posts and more so in everyday life, "things of many sorts" may be missed or overlooked.  Here's to good health and happy living.  May the good of both of those continue to be a part of your routine.  

Jan 12, 2025 07:22 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Roy,

I'm so glad you have a diagnosis now and a plan. Please keep us updated and prayers are coming your way.

Jan 12, 2025 07:29 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Kathy Streib  

Thank you very much for the feature recognition. The surgery will likely take place in late February or early March unless there is a cancellation.

Jan 12, 2025 09:05 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

First prayers for you and a quick recovery. At least the reason was discovered. Thank you for sharing your first goal of 2025. Please keep us informed how you are doing.

Jan 12, 2025 11:19 AM
Marney Kirk
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Towson, MD
Towson, Maryland Real Estate

Roy, I hope the surgery helps and you are on your way to recovery soon. The doctors at Hopkins are top notch, so I feel you will be in the best care possible. Thinking of you and wishing you good health!

Jan 12, 2025 01:28 PM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

I hope all goes well with your Surgery, it sounds like you have pinpointed the issue and have a top notch doctor to take care of you. All the best for the new year Roy!

Jan 13, 2025 09:38 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Roy I will be holding you and your surgeon up in my thoughts and prayers. This is obviously no small operation, my brother just went through one big surgery on his neck and is preparing for another more significant surgery on his back in February, so I know how life challenging these can be. 

Jan 13, 2025 11:30 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Roy Kelley - I am as sorry to learn about your diagnosis, as I am glad the physicians figured out what is wrong and now you're scheduled for surgery. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Dolores as you go through this serious operation. May you be under the best skilled physicians care to help you with this most unsual condition that I never heard of before. 

If its any consulation, I have a very dear friend around your age who was a top Pharmacist. He once told me, always be glad when doctor's have a diagnosis and a plan to do surgery, if necessary. If they say, there's nothing I can do,, that's when you should worry.

For now, I will pray it all goes well for you with successful hearing, and no more balance issues.

Jan 13, 2025 03:10 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Thanks for the education Roy Kelley and I am so glad you found a Dr. that recognized your need. It can be maddening when you know you are ill but "experts" act  like it's all psychosomatic. 

Jan 19, 2025 06:38 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Hi Roy Kelley well this is quite the ordeal with challenges and decisions to make and endure.  All the best to Recovery Road

Jan 23, 2025 10:33 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Hi Roy, thank you for sharing your story. I learned a new word today. Best wishes for a successful resolution of the issue. I am sure you had seen a second opinion doctor. When possible, isn't it a good thing to check if surgery is avoidable?

Jan 24, 2025 10:25 AM