ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: shameless_stud on June 09, 2009, 02:06:44 pm
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Hi everyone,
I was wondering if people could help me as I don't know who to turn to. I've recently been diagnosed with a 1cm Acoustic Neuroma on my left side. As you all know, it's devastating news. The worst part was being told my hearing loss/buzzing was due to 'swelling of the nerve'. Was later revealed by the hospital that it was actually an acoustic neuroma - I was at the hospital by myself too! I would of took someone with me if I knew it was just going to told by mistake! Someone apparently was meant to have told me before the appointment at the hospital.
Anyway, I do have some questions to ask the people who have been more informed about this condition more than me!
It's sounds silly but should I be avoiding roller-coaster rides and flying by plane etc? I only ask because I'm due to go to Alton Towers (in the UK) which has really fast and high rides there. I don't want my tumour to burst or anything lol, can anything bad like this happen?? My symptoms are simply hearing loss (50%) in left ear and tinitus style noises (really annoying) . I wouldn't say I get dizzy very often or anything.
Is there also anything by experience you guys can tell me to DO or DON'T regarding this condition. Anything from diet (like working out at the gym) or anything in particular I should or shouldn't be doing in my life to either aggravate or help my tumour.
I've been told I have to go back in 6 months with the 'wait and see' approach. If it's grown enough for concern, I'll need surgery. I'm absolutely petrified!
Nice to finally find a forum dedicated to A.N's!
Many thanks,
Mark, 24
Manchester, UK
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Hi Mark and welcome.
Well, I had to ask my husband (my bloke) about Alton Towers and gave me the lowdown. He's from the Darlington area but family now down in Dorset (Shaftesbury). With the kinds of rides there, you may have some dizziness issues at high heights or rides that may throw off your equilibrium but shouldn't be bad. Try to have a good time and enjoy for me! :)
Please tell us about more about your AN. It's size... it's location... where/what drs you have met?
I honestly don't have answers as to the "do's and don'ts" but.. I can tell you its bengn... and its treatable. Many note balance issues, hearing loss, tinnitus, as you have noted. You will know if dizziness or such come into play and how your body will react.
There are many forums here that touch base on things you note. Please take a look around.... and ask away!
Again, welcome!
Phyl (1/2 Yorkie but born/raised in Boston, MA)
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Hi there,
Thanks for your response and re-assurance. It helps to talk to people about it I suppose!
Apparently the tumour is a small one, it's 1cm (well was 3 months ago) and the location - technically I'm not sure apart from the obvious acoustic nerve (lol) and it's on my left side. Thanks for your advice on the roller-coasters too, I know it looks like a silly question but I didn't want to suddenly die on a ride or make it pop or anything lol! I'm only 24 which makes the whole thing even worse, like my life feels like its over before it's started.
I'm still grateful that it's benign (hopefully) and that it has been detected an monitored.
How are you getting on with your AN mate?
Mark x
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Hi Mark,
I also wondered about riding coasters after I was diagnosed in May '04, but decided not to let it bother me. So I just kept riding thru that summer. The next summer, I was back to my old self riding again. The operation for my 1.5 cm AN left me SSD on the right, so it helps me to ride in the left seat where I don't hear my neighbor's screams as much ..... ::)
Unless you are experiencing great balance issues, I would continue enjoying as much as you can. I don't think the AN will burst, as I've never read or heard of that happening. So you can relax on that issue.
Keep ;D-ing ..... and ride one for me!
Greg
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Mark
It really does help to speak to others that "walk in our shoes" as no one knows better than us and what we go through. I've been on this site for 4+ years and I've seen every question imaginable. Your question ranks up there as being important... we have had many discussions here about flying and such... so, it's here.....
I'm doing ok. Like you, my AN is 1cm but since my treatment (radiation) which was done over 3 yrs ago, it has shrunk a little and stopped doing nasty to me. For me, my drs deemed me a 'done deal', so I'm moving along in life but am still here (as an AN'er/patient and as a Moderator) to help those along since there were so many here for me when I needed it most (like you, newly diagnosed).
I do find I'm still having issues flying (flew to the UK over last Christmas/New Year's holidays) with ear pressure... yet, I know of AN patients that don't have the issue. I've learned, for me, to just deal with it as best as I can. I still have some balance issues and such, but overall, from an AN standpoint, I'm doing fine. I have met (face to face) many folks on this website and they will tell you other than my nose being far too large, I'm doing fine. I married my bloke 6 mos after my AN radiation, he has since moved here to the States and life is moving along for me.
You will see here that there are folks that have a difficult time... and some that don't. I'm not going to sugar coat anything as that is not our way around here.... but, you will see good and not so good. You have terrific treatment options in London and Sheffield (and some other great UK locations as well) and since its only 1cm, you have plenty of time to research.
Glad to have you here. Keep looking around.... if the info gets overwhelming, step back from it all if need be.
We're here to help.
I know of many other folks from the UK that participate here. I'm sure they'll be along (granted, its getting late there now).
Cheers!
Phyl
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Thanks for your replies you two, I really appreciate it. Probably will post every now and then so be good to catch up with you soon. I'm sure I'll be back online soon anyway with questions like, "Will eating carrots make my tumour grow twice as fast?" or something as pathetic as that anyway haha!
As per the roller-coasters, think I'm gonna go for it. Providing I feel fine after it, I hope that nothing more sinister happens!
Thanks again,
Mark x
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Hi, Mark ~
Allow me to extend my welcome and regret that you've received a diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma. For the optimist, the good news is that this tumor is small, almost always benign and can be removed or irradiated. Acoustic neuromas are generally found in people twice your age so your questions are relevant, especially when considering your age (24).
I'm not a physician and I could be mistaken but I doubt that there is little you can do (or not do) that will effect your relatively small AN. It resides deep inside your skull and is not affected much by external forces, including amusement park rides. I don't see how exercise would make much difference, either. To the best of my knowledge, lifting weights or jogging won't affect a small tumor inside your skull. It is not an aneurysm, which can burst, often with life-threatening results. The AN is fibrous and usually has to be 'peeled' off of the sheathing of the nerve. It can't be dislodged by your activity. Flying can be a problem (as Phyl mentioned) for some but it shouldn't have much effect on the tumor one way or the other. That's more of a comfort/convenience issue for you.
At 1 cm, radiation (as a treatment for your AN) remains a distinct possibility in your case but you'll need to consult with doctors that perform that procedure, which is non-invasive (no cutting). Surgeons are often either disinterested in radiation treatment, uninformed about it's benefits and risks or simply won't consider it. You'll have to be your own advocate if you want the broadest range of options and medically sound advice. We can offer suggestions, but we're not doctors and can't make decisions for anyone. We do want to help in practical ways, though. That's what this website and especially, the forums, are all about. We inform, suggest and mostly, support other AN patients to the best of our collective ability.
It may encourage you to know that I underwent AN surgery, then irradiation - and came through it all just fine. I was almost 40 years older than you are now, when that occurred. The thought of AN surgery is definitely daunting but it isn't quite as scary as we usually think it is. Many have endured it. As Phyl mentioned, it's a minefield, fraught with risks. Some AN surgical patients do very well, some do 'O.K.', some not so good at all. There is no simple answer. We try to offer the best information available or, more likely, point you to it. You need to be animated to find the best path to follow in dealing with your AN so please don't become petrified.
Thanks for posting and of course, my best wishes and prayers for you as you begin your 'AN Journey'. :)
Jim
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Hi Jim,
Many thanks for your reply. I know you're not a medical professional but your outlook and evaluation does make complete sense. The only other major concern I have is the amount of CT or MRI scans i'll be having for the rest of my life can't be good for my body. I've read somewhere that this can actually CAUSE cancer in later life due to the radiation. It's like a double edge sword, I can't win! I suppose modern technology is enabling the medical team to see and monitor the tumour without it being invasive which is something I'm grateful for. I can't imagine that dye stuff they pump into me when I have scans being any good for my system over time either!!??
I consider myself to be a fit and healthy kind of guy, everything in moderation so it's upsetting that this effectively makes me 'ill' or suffering' with a brain tumor. Truth is, it's there an apart from the obvious ear noise I wouldn't of known it was there so I feel guilty too for not being 'more upset' that I have a brain tumor.
The other thing that annoys me is that fact that it's referred to as a brain tumor. It's not a tumor on the brain, it's on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain - would sound better if it was referred to as this, sounds less deadly! haha!
I was told by the hospital that radiation treatment wasn't recommended in someone as young as me due to it's links with cancer in later life too.
Thanks again Jim.
Mark
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Hi Mark,
Since you're active I'd remain staying that way right up to surgery or radiation treatment. I think that helps the balance adjust. I like to run half marathons and an occassional marathon. I was afraid if I ran too far my head my explode or something! I was able to get back into slow running a few weeks after surgery (well, I'm slow anyway) and have since done a couple of half marathons. I've signed up for a marathon this fall; by then I'll be 10 months post op.
I'm a musician so I was more bummed about losing the hearing, but that's just something I've adjusted too fairly well. I'm planning to get a BAHA maybe around my one year surgery anniversary.
There's many recent success stories here lately. Many stories are in AN community or post op. The recent posties here have all dealt with their AN's with humor and good attitudes. Some have had more struggles and receive a lot of help, support and prayers here. Anyway, this is a great place to receive support and ask even seemingly 'silly' questions (I've asked many myself)!
Enjoy your roller coaster rides (gee, that's so symbolic too!)
Keri
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Hi Mark!
I went to Disney Land just a few months before they found my tumor and mine was REALLY large so I think that would be even worse than a little one and watch and wait. I rode everything over and over, and then over and over again and nothing happened to me!! ;D
Have fun!
K
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Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place. Here you will get all the support you need and hopefully some of your questions answerec. When I saw my surgeons, neither said anything to me about dos or don'ts so I don't think anything in particular should be avoided. I lost some balance nerve so I was told to be careful driving and walk away from walls. The rides may make you a little dizzy as it's a normal effect anyway specially if you have an AN but enjoy yourself and have fun.
Vivian
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Hi Mark! Your a young man with alot of decisions to make. Fortunately your AN is small and you probably have a time to do so. Do all the investigating you can and try to come up with whats best for you. Nowadays technology offers very good outcome for those who seek and get the best treatment. I`m alot older than you (61) and W+W. All I can say is I actually picked up my activities and changed my lifestyle healthwise and do pratically anything with no ill effects. Everythig going to be fine. Prayers and best wishes, Mickey
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Hello and welcome,
you have already received lots of good input. I just wanted to clarify the issue of MRIs and CTs and long term effects. It is true that CT scans deliver a very high dose of radiation. However this is not true with MRIs, which rely on a magnetic field. I have never seen any mention of MRIs having potentially any risks - the closer you can get to something that might pose a risk is the gandolinium injection that is used to provide contrast.
On the other issue of what to do or not to do, many of us had our ANs for years without even knowing it and without experiencing any symptoms. I gave birth twice, flew overseas many times etc, without ever feeling anything. ON the contrary others, have severe symptoms, even with very small ANs. So basically do whatever your body tells you. I am not aware of any restrictions that are specific to our condition or anything that you can do to make things worse (or better).
Marianna
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Wow Mark!...I wish I had picked that handle. With a name like that I'd think roller coasters would be the least of your worries.... ;)
In answer to your question about physical activities causing problems....I think quite the contrary. If you ever do develop balance problems you might try what I do.... ;D
http://www.youtube.com/v/MOmZung9fv4&hl (http://www.youtube.com/v/MOmZung9fv4&hl)
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Mark -
I can relate to your feelings about being diagnosed with an AN, but I wouldn't say I was "devastated". Shocked, yes; frightened, absolutely; stunned, you betcha! After all that I went "what IS an acoustic neuroma??"
Anyway, as others have said, there really are no dos or don'ts - having an AN shouldn't stop you from living your life. AN treatment shouldn't stop you from living your life either.
You mention AN's being benign "hopefully". I just want to assure you that the odds are definitely in your favor - 99.9% of ANs are benign.
Jan
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Hey Mark, just wanted to say 'hi' to a fellow young ANer. I am 25 years old, so I was pretty surprised to find out that I had about 50% hearing loss in one ear due to a tumor. It's fairly large, coming it at about 3cm. I ran a 1/2 marathon about a month ago, and my surgery is scheduled for July 1st. I know people have already mentioned this, but I'll add my opinion that whatever you physically feel up to, you can do.
One piece of unsolicited advice I will give you is don't lose too much sleep searching the forums and internet for information. I have been limiting my time online lately, because before I know it, it will be way past my normal sleepy time. When I'm tired, that is when it's hardest to keep it together mentally, as well as when my tinnitus is the worst. That's a bad combo. There is ton's of stuff to read and learn, but try not to dwell on it. There is a lot of life that is more important than finding one more website about brain stuff. If you (or anybody) is interested in my blog about the whole process, PM me with your email address. (The blog is set to private, so I have to add your email to the list. Yeah, VIP-style ;) Take care - Darin
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Hi MARK, Just want to also say WELCOME to the FORUM! ;D
Folks here are fantastic, knowledgeable and will try to answer all your questions!
I am here with my sister (read signature). ANs do NOT discriminate - weird, huh?
I am in W & W and had the contrast dye, too. You will find some others whose docs don't even want the contrast (!), but this is unusual.
Most clear diagnosis is with contrast. (And i don't like that part, either!) Always have to remember to drink lots of fluids afterwards.
Again, welcome, and post those questions.
We are all here for you.
Sue
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Anyway, as others have said, there really are no dos or don'ts - having an AN shouldn't stop you from living your life. AN treatment shouldn't stop you from living your life either.
You mention AN's being benign "hopefully". I just want to assure you that the odds are definitely in your favor - 99.9% of ANs are benign.
Mark --
Welcome to this forum. I don't have much to add except that riding on a rollercoaster can certainly make you more dizzy but will not hurt you. Have fun at the amusement park. Please keep us posted on how you are doing, and never feel funny about any question you have -- your looking for support and answers and we're here to help.
Wendy
Wendy
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Hi Mark
And welcome to the forum. I had a small AN on left side which was surgically removed 2 months ago. I've basically have had only small issues since..balance, and wonky head. I'm still tryin to come up with a definition for wonky head but come to the conclusion that until you had treatment then one will understand wonky head. All the best to ya
JO ;D
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Hi Mark
And welcome to the forum. I had a small AN on left side which was surgically removed 2 months ago. I've basically have had only small issues since..balance, and wonky head. I'm still tryin to come up with a definition for wonky head but come to the conclusion that until you had treatment then one will understand wonky head. All the best to ya
JO ;D
Hi Jo.... most folks define wonky head (a term coined by our own fearless Captn Deb) as a feeling of enhanced dizziness with a head "disconnect" (much like having a cold-type of head-disconnect). Phyl
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Mark, being new to this forum myself, I've found that, as I read other posts here, different long-running expressions pop up every once in a while. Seeing the expression used in a post is one thing, but when the definition is offered .... supported by it's derivation .... AND it's author (!) ..... well, need I say more ?!?!?
Thanks Phyl .... "wonky head" is a great example!
All kidding aside, this is a great forum with very friendly supportive folks who don't hold anything back to help you answer your very important concerns, or at least get you pertinent info that'll benefit you.
Prayers and best wishes in your decision-making.
Greg
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Hello Welcome!
I was zip lining in Mexico a month before my surgery......also i did some i forget what you call it when you slowly lower your self down on a bungee over a cliff?
I really didn't think about it at the time becouse i did not find out i had an AN till after vacation(good thing??)
I went to Disney 3 years ago w/ AN...Went on all amusment rides ,even to The Tower of Terror.
I think you should definatly go on all the rides you want. :)
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There is a lot of life that is more important than finding one more website about brain stuff.
If you (or anybody) is interested in my blog about the whole process, PM me with your email address.
:D
Steve
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I was told by the hospital that radiation treatment wasn't recommended in someone as young as me due to it's links with cancer in later life too.
No such link exists. They are probably referring to whole brain radiation, which is an entirely different kind of treatment.
Steve
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Typical scare tactic used by many physicians that are not as versed on radio treatments for AN's. Not to say it can't happen, but I have a greater chance of being hit by lightening AND being hit by a MAC Truck vs. the cancer chance..... I'll take the lightening and MAC Truck.
Phyl
I was told by the hospital that radiation treatment wasn't recommended in someone as young as me due to it's links with cancer in later life too.
No such link exists. They are probably referring to whole brain radiation, which is an entirely different kind of treatment.
Steve
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Mark,
Like you, I am also a young ANer. I felt pretty much shocked at first when I was told I had a tumor in my head three years ago. I was 22 then. Like Darin said, I think you should do anything that you feel like you can do. In my case, I had a translab surgery and everything went very well. I don't have any other issues except that I lost my hearing on the AN ear. But, that was already gone before even I found out that I had an AN :).
My doctors didn't say anything that I shouldn't do before my surgery. But, I think keeping yourself healthy is a very good idea. And of course, positive attitude plays a very important role. I wish you good luck on your acoustic neuroma removal journey (whether you choose radiation or surgery).
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I'll add my voice to the chorus of "Welcome to the Forum" folks. While none of the things I'm about to post should be taken as advice, they are things that seemed to work for me....
Do... know that there is the possibility of a good life post AN. While getting told that you have a benign growth in your head can make you feel like you've been kicked by a cow... there are thousands that have gone through this and managed to have great lives afterward. I don't know if there are support groups on that side of the Atlantic but if there are, find one and go to it. You will meet folks in the various stages of this journey and be able to see first hand that life can be good.
Don't... obsess about it to the point of blocking out everything else. Yes, do the research (reading all the info on the ANA.org pages is the best place to start) but limit the amount of time devoted to it. Having a somewhat obsessive personality, I found that I had to set up a time limit for my research. I put a limit of 30 minutes a night on the computer obsessing and researching AN"s. If a question popped into my mind outside of those 30 minutes I wrote in on a note in my PDA (a small notebook would also work for this). By writing it down, I could then put it out of my mind without worrying about forgetting it. Then during my 30 minutes of research time I could look for the answers to the questions that had come up.
Do... find a person in your life you can talk to about this on a face to face basis, preferrably one that has gone through it already. Your ENT might be able to give you some advice on finding other folks. The hospital might run support groups or have a bulleting board (physical or electronic) where you could post a soliciation.
Don't... neglect to explore all your options. Ask to be given an appointment with a radiologist (or whatever they call the guy that radiates the AN to discuss all the aspects of using radiation as the treatment, if treatment is needed. Surgeons like to surgeon, they like cutting stuff out and sometimes see all other options as inferior to just cutting the thing out. The radioactive guy will probably stand aghast that oneone would choose to have their head physically cut into when he can just go in there with his magic beam and zap the growth with no fuss or muss. It's your head.. understand all your options.
Do... take generally good care of your body. I'm not saying you have to become a super nutritious macro-biotic health guru or anything (though if you chose to...) but if treatment becomes necessary then a generally healthy body will recover from the trauma of the treatment better and pretty much all treatment options entail some type of trauma. One thing that stood out during all the pre-op talking that happened with the various hospital people was they all seemed happy about the fact that I don't, and have never, smoked. I got the impression that if a surgical option is used, smoking greatly increases the chances of complications... I guess it really hoses up some of your body chemistry. If you smoke, that might be something you talk to your doctors about...to see what they say.
Don't... stop living your life. I haven't seen any research that suggests you can make your AN worse by doing any activity the rest of your body can survive. Of course, if you're doing an activity that the rest of your body is unlikely to survive, then making your AN worse is probably the least of your worries. As others noted, if your AN is affecting your balance system then this could cause some limitations...or it could let you get more out of your rollercoaster dollar (pound) than anyone else on the ride. Some folks ride rollercoasters to give themselves temporary wonky head... some of us with AN's get it for free.
Do.. make sure you keep coming back to the forum, posting, asking questions, and sharing how your journey is going.
..take care.. tim b
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Ask to be given an appointment with a radiologist (or whatever they call the guy that radiates the AN...
For the record, a radiologist reads x-ray and MRI images, while a radiation oncologist delivers radiation treatment.
I like Tim's do's 'n' don'ts. :)
Steve
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Hi Mark ......
..... and a big welcome to you, as well.
I can empathize with you on finding out about your AN all alone. My first symptoms were balance issues and mild hearing loss in one ear. When my ENT ordered the MRI with contrast, he assured me it was only to "rule out" anything serious like a tumor. When I had not heard anything 10 days after the MRI, I falsely assumed it was negative and went to my follow-up visit by myself ..... expecting to be told you must just have some mild inflammation in your ear. I was so shocked I couldn't even think of questions to ask and rather numbly listened to the doctor explain my options. Not fun, is it???
Because I had an unusually fast-growing type AN (already 2 cm at the time of diagnosis), I did not have to wait long between diagnosis and treatment (less than 6 weeks). You are young and in otherwise good health, so take your time to explore all possible options and find the physicians with the most experience dealing with ANs.
Keep us up to date.
(I wrote all of this yesterday and before I could post it our power went down for two hours >:( ..... now you have many great replies! I especially liked Tim's Do's and Don'ts ..... great ideas/suggestions!)
Clarice
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I found out about my 3cm AN on Feb. 19th. On Feb. 23rd we left for a week at Disneyland with our 2 young kids. We rode EVERY ride we could get our hands on, and it turned out to be the best distraction we could ever have hoped for.
So enjoy yourself, and do not worry about doing any harm to yourself.
I'm sorry about your news. It's horrible to find this out, but know that everything will be OK in the end. Sorry you were on your own to find out, I was in a similar boat. I was on my own, but had my 2 kids (5 and 9) along in the waiting room. UGH! Was not expecting that news AT ALL!
(hugs)
Adrienne
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Steve...thanks, for the kind words and for clarifying the correct title. Those words were probably in my brain somewhere but for some reason I just couldn't find them. They were apparently well hidden in some far corner.
Clarice.. thanks for the kind words.
As I hear and read about more and more AN stories, two things stand out.... one is the huge percent of people that seemed to be misdiagnosed for a long period of time before the AN is found to be the true cause of their symptoms. The other is often incredibly insensitive ways that folks find out they have something growing on the edge of their brain.
You would think that more ENT's would understand that being told you have a brain tumor kind be just a tiny bit upsetting.
..take care... tim b
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Great list of do's and don'ts, Tim.
Very helpful.
Jan
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Hi Mark.
A whole lot of insight and advice has been offered allready. I simply want welcome you to the forum, offer my sympathy, and perhaps later try to chime in and answer any additional questions. There are no silly questions, just insensitive answers ;)
Regards, Kenneth
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I welcome you as well, Kenneth. I never did like roller coasters and always got carsick as a kid. Making me wonder if this AN has been in my head for the past 45-50 years. :o Good luck and keep in touch with this group. It's extremely helpful.
Miss Molly
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Can I just say that I'm really touched with everyone's kind words and support. First of all, most forums online treat newbies like...well, not very nice at all! And second of all, I didn't think so many people were in the same boat as me. It's re-assuring to know that I can lead a normal life (albeit a hard and painful journey) bit I suppose life would be boring otherwise!
Thanks again everyone, I'll think of you all when I'm up in the air going 100 mph on Saturday! haha.
Cheers,
Mark x
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I'll think of you all when I'm up in the air going 100 mph on Saturday! haha.
Just scream REAL LOUD in my honour, ok? :D Have a terrific time!
Phyl
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Mark~
FWIW: I visited Disney World® at Orlando, Florida last year with family members. I rode Space Mountain, Test Track (3 times) and some other fast rides - with no problem (and no screaming). I also walked what seemed like about 10 miles a day in the heat and humidity of Florida in the summer. I was 65 at the time and 2 years post op/post radiation. Although I'm fit, I'm not exactly the athletic type. I'm sure you'll be fine. Enjoy! :D
Jim
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I didn't think so many people were in the same boat as me. It's re-assuring to know that I can lead a normal life (albeit a hard and painful journey) bit I suppose life would be boring otherwise!
It's a fairly big boat - and seems to get bigger every day ;)
I can't speak for everyone, but personally I love newbies and wish I had found this forum while I still was one. There's just something about being able to connect with others who've "been there, done that" before you. By the time I found the ANA and the forum, I'd already had my surgery and I was a postie.
Everyone's AN journey is different, and while mine was hard at times, it wasn't really painful. No headaches pre or post-op, no post-op pain, etc. Not bragging; just wanted to point out that your journey will be unique, but not necessarily full of pain. So don't stress about it. Just take things as they come and you'll be fine.
Jan
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Hi Mark, welcome to the club. as a fellow Brit I just wanted to say hi. I was actually staying at the Palace hotel in Manchester a few months ago, and was born in Ormskirk. I had AN surgery 3 years ago so I am pretty used to life post AN. I was devastated too after my diagnosis, I think that is pretty normal. Thanks to my sense of humour [I'm spelling it the English way] I got through it. Northerners are known for their humour so you will be fine. If you find yourself in LA you will find a great support system waiting for you. Nancy is our wonderful tour operator, david is our Hollywood star, and I am just your transplanted Brit. So keep the questions coming.
Lainie.
PS My Dad was a pro soccer player for Everton, so I will forgive you if you support Man United.
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One more welcome
I am a 6 month old newbie, 37 years old (so somewhat young) with a tiny asymptomatic tumor (OK - my hearing is diminished (hearing update tomorrow with the ENT), it rings constantly and I have these truly weird balance issues intermittently). I am thankful the tumor is so small and asymptomatic, and don't need treatment. I am thankful my ENT is a guru in conservative management (and also my age). I am thankful I have four little children - my eldest turned 7 in May, and my baby turned 2 yesterday. I am truly thankful this tumor is benign.
As you might have guessed, I am a bit-over-the-top positive. I would go to Disney in a heartbeat and ride on any roller coaster possible. My daughter hates the tea cups so maybe I would avoid that one.
In my opinion, on the whole spectrum of devastating, this isn't it. This is a minor bump in the road. I will have the tumor treated as required, when recommended by the medical team. I have settled on surgery because I trust my ENT more than I trust the radiation oncologist (that 'gut' feeling). My anti-radiation feelings feelings have diminished a lot over the past few months - just think I know where I am more comfortable with the long-term consequences of either treatment option. However, I freely reserve the right to change my mind at any time.
In the mean time, I am living a darn near perfect life and I won't let one moment of that pass me by.
Ann