Recent Posts

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MJCM
Thanks for posting. I'm now 6+ months since the SRS and received my MRI 2 Sep. The Radiation Oncologist is happy with the results indicating that it looks like the tumour is dying by the black areas within the tumour which was all white from the previous MRI. Oddly, or perhaps this is normal, I'm feeling more wobbly/dizzy/tired than I ever have. Hoping at some point the negative trend reverses. All for now, will stay engaged.
Cheers
Ash
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Post-Treatment / Re: Three Year Post CK
« Last post by ppearl214 on Today at 06:27:33 AM »
Hello Dan!

Woohoo! AWESOME news!

I am 20..... yes, 20 years post-CK for my 1cm AN.  Feels like yesterday! Sending continued good vibes your way!

Congratulations on all you have achieved!
Phyllis



Life is great!

Three years ago, I never would have imagined I’d be writing this. At the beginning of this journey, I was scared, uncertain, and wondering what life would look like on the other side.

Today, I can honestly say that life is pretty darn good.

I’ve come to an understanding with the SSD and tinnitus. They’re simply part of my life now. I’ve learned to adapt, find the humor in things, and keep moving forward. When we go out with a group, I get to assign the seating locations. There are always a few people I place in the “dead zone.” My wife is getting used to it. 😊

The tumor shrank a little on my MRI in April, which was encouraging. My ENT wants to evaluate me for a hearing aid this December. I’m not sure how much it will help, but I’m willing to give it a shot. I do the Delta test and use their entertainment system. With the volume fully cranked up, I can hear a little in the bad ear. I’m not expecting a miracle from the evaluation—although I’m pretty sure I’ll get a bill! 😂

Three years post CK and 2½ years post open-heart surgery, I’m a happy camper.

We’re going to hit almost 90 days of traveling this year. We’re also now grandparents, which is absolutely awesome. There are moments when I stop and think about how far life has come, and I’m incredibly grateful.

I’m sharing this for those who are just starting their journey and are scared. I was scared too. I remember what those early days felt like—the uncertainty, the questions, and wondering what the future would hold.

But here’s what I’ve learned: keep moving forward, one day at a time. You may not know what life will look like a year or three years from now, but there can still be so many good things waiting for you on the other side of the fear.

This group gave me strength when I needed it most. The experiences, encouragement, and support from people who understood what I was going through made a difference in my journey.

So to everyone here who is still in the middle of their journey: hang in there. Take it one step at a time. There is life after the diagnosis, and there can be a lot of good life to live.

I’m proof that the road may not always be exactly what you expected, but it can still lead to some pretty wonderful places.

I truly thank you all for the support you gave me—and continue to give others.

And please don’t tell my heart group, but this group may be smaller… but it sure is a whole lot more supportive. 😊

Thank you all,

Dan
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Thank you Don!
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Derek doesn't read the ANA forums on a regular basis, but he usually posts a few times a year.  So, please be patient, waldo1308.  I'm sure Derek will eventually respond to your questions.  It just may be a while.
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Derek, I’ve been reading your updates about long-term watch and wait and would appreciate hearing how you’re doing.

Are you still watching and waiting? Have you had another MRI since your June 2024 update? How have your hearing, balance, and overall quality of life been?

I’d also welcome updates from anyone who has followed observation for many years. If you eventually chose treatment, what prompted that decision—tumor growth, changes in hearing or other symptoms, or something else?

Your experiences would help me understand the long-term picture. Thank you for sharing.
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Pre-Treatment Options / Re: CBD
« Last post by browfnishlowe on October 03, 2026, 11:39:42 AM »
I've tried CBN gummies for sleep too, helped a bit with stabbing ear pain at night. Definitely start low and slow.
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AN Issues / Travel Sickness - Motion Shock
« Last post by Denis74 on October 03, 2026, 07:28:41 AM »
So, I get terrible motion sickness symptoms after long car journeys where I have been a driver.  This is a symptom that i did not have pre-op, it shows as major confusion and lack of balance.
My ENT consultant in the UK told me he is sure this is an outcome of my surgery but he has not know of others to complain of it and he was limited in his advice.  I therefore have done some AI and online research of my own which I would attach if I could as it includes exercises and pre-travel recommendations.  Instead here is what is happening to me which hopefully fits in this box - let me know if any others have similar symptoms.

Clinical Mechanism: Dynamic-to-Static Transition Failures
What you are experiencing when you stop driving is not standard motion sickness. In medical literature, this is classified as an inability to quickly adapt during the transition from a dynamic state (moving) to a static state (stillness) following unilateral peripheral vestibular loss. [1, 2]
Here is exactly what happens in your nervous system during a drive:
1.   The "Seated" Vestibular Clamp: While you are driving, your body is strapped into a seat, moving at a constant velocity. Because your right balance nerve is gone, your cerebellum (the brain's balance control centre) heavily relies on your remaining left ear and your eyes to keep your world stable. It builds a temporary, high-effort computation loop to process the forward movement of the road. [1, 2, 3]
2.   The Post-Motion Adaptation Lag: Clinical studies on post-acoustic neuroma patients show that the brain's ability to smoothly "turn down" or recalibrate this high-intensity motion loop is damaged. When the car stops moving, your left inner ear suddenly signals absolute stillness. However, your brain's motion-processing centre takes time to empty its "stored" motion calculations. [1, 2]
3.   The "Confusion" Trigger (Cognitive Exhaustion): Because you have unilateral loss, maintaining balance and visual tracking requires active, conscious brainpower—called cognitive reserve. When you are driving, you are burning through this fuel rapidly to keep yourself oriented. The moment you park, the sudden clash between the immediate stillness of the vehicle and your brain's lagging motion loop creates an acute sensory conflict. This floods your nervous system, temporarily exhausting your brain and manifesting as sudden disorientation, heavy brain fog, and confusion. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
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@Derek, are you still in watch and wait?
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v357139, It’s great to hear that you’ve been able to get back to biking, swimming, golf, yard work, and lifting after translab. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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Pre-Treatment Options / Re: CBD
« Last post by brwonduckpower on September 30, 2026, 12:27:36 PM »
I've tried CBN gummies for sleep too, helped a bit with stabbing ear pain at night. Definitely start low and slow.
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