Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis at Two-Weeks Postpartum

Stacy Leverty

When I was six weeks pregnant, I had 90% hearing loss in my left ear. My ENT wanted to do an MRI but decided to wait due to the baby. In the meantime, I took Prednisone and had some success and some hearing did return.  My ENT suspected a tumor, and in July 2021, when I was two weeks postpartum, I was diagnosed with a 1.7 cm AN.

At my follow-up MRI, my tumor had grown to 2 cm.  I wanted to breastfeed as long as possible, so I delayed my surgery until my daughter was 7 months old.  This gave me time to plan and store milk so that I could feed my daughter for several months.

I spoke to several centers and doctors and got multiple opinions. In February 2022, I decided to have Retrosigmoid surgery at UCSD.  Unfortunately, I lost my hearing, but my facial nerve was preserved which was the best news!

Recovery was hard and I spent two weeks away from my family.  It was great to return home and see my kids! My mom stayed with us for 6 weeks, and I am very grateful for my family and friends who helped, as well as the ANA peer mentors who answered many of my questions during this process.

I found it helpful to get several opinions so that I could evaluate each one. Invest in a great upright pillow or an adjustable bed/mattress. I also suggest joining a Facebook group, reaching out to friends, and contacting ANA peer mentors. I delayed reaching out and learning more and I wish I had done that sooner. Build a tribe and ASK FOR HELP!