Matt Lee, a deputy district attorney in Washoe County who is running for Justice of the Peace in Sparks, will be taking some time off the campaign trail to undergo brain surgery to remove a rare, but benign brain tumor.
The attorney suffers from acoustic neuroma, a rare, benign tumor that affects the nerves that control balance and hearing in the brain. It does not spread to other parts of the brain or body, but it can continue to grow if left untreated, which can be life- threatening.
Lee says the tumor caught him totally off guard.
“I noticed that the hearing in one ear was declining, so I went to see my local ears/nose/throat specialist. He did some tests and discovered the tumor and referred me to a specialist at the University of Utah, as no one locally does this kind of surgery. While I had hoped they would hold off until after the election for surgery, the doctor didn’t want to wait,” says Lee.
This type of tumor does not impact the cognitive function of the brain, according to Dr. Clough Shelton at the University of Utah, who will be performing the surgery. “I would expect this type of surgery to have no bearing on these type of (cognitive) issues or any long term impact.”
Dr. Clough says in most cases patients return to their normal routines four to six weeks after surgery.
“The only long-term impact the doctor expects is loss of hearing in my right ear,” says Lee.
Lee jokes that he is now an expert on this rare type of a tumor, the symptoms of which include single-sided hearing loss, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and short-term balance disturbances or vertigo. If an acoustic tumor becomes large it may push on the surface of the brainstem but not grow into brain tissue. Continued tumor growth that goes untreated may threaten neurological function and even the person’s life, which is why the doctor told Lee not to wait until November.
While Lee recuperates from his surgery, campaigning will continue.
“There is no reason to believe that the surgery will have any impact at all on my ability to be an attorney or a judge,” Lee says. “But walking door to door will be tough for a few weeks. So, we are lining up a lot of friends to do some walking for me while I recuperate. The outpouring of support from colleagues and peers has been amazing, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.”
Lee’s wife, Adrienne, says she’ll keep people posted about Matt’s surgery and recovery on his campaign Facebook page, as well as on his website, MattLeeForJudge.com.
Lee expects to return to the campaign trail and to work at the District Attorney’s office weeks before the November election.
“Facing this new challenge has, frankly, made me rethink my priorities. It’s helped me to focus on what’s important, and for me that is family and my community. I’m more determined than ever now to run and win and be the best judge ever for the residents of Sparks.”
Myrna Dougherty says
Thank You Mr. Lee for being open , honest and transparent.
I will be praying for your surgery that God will guide the hands of your surgeon . Be by your side through this operation and restore your health completely
I will be praying for peace for your Family.
Blessings,
Lauren Goldberg says
As a 7 year post op AN warrior, I know all about the journey. Just remember to listen to your body, take lots of naps and eat healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, you can find my contact info on the ANA website under NYC support group leaders.
L. Goldberg
KJ says
Good luck! I also have an AN and I am glad you are being open about it so that more people. AN be aware of it!
KJ says
Oops I meant can be aware of it!
theshawn says
Who cares what the doctor thinks, depending on it’s size waiting until November or later could be just fine. Surgeon I spoke with said mine was too big and wanted to operate soon, I checked other options and a different excellent neurosurgeon who also specialized in FS Radiosurgery said it WASN’T too big for this option so I went with it. 3 yrs later I’m fine with no surgery necessary and my hearing in the affected ear is the same if not slightly better. I didn’t have to lose it.
Bottom line, doctors are not God’s, they have bias just like everyone else so get more than one opinion. It’s YOUR body not theirs, do what you want and feel best about.
Michelle Dotson says
Thank you for being honest. I have an AN also and I’m waiting to go back to Standford. Life got in the way and I was suppose to return in a year and I let 3 years go by. I thought I might be the only one in Northern Nevada with an AN. After you win your election ( sorry I live in Reno) maybe we can find others in our community and have a quick meeting. I’m sure this will make you stronger. We can learn to live with impaired hearing.
Good Luck,
Michelle Dotson