Appt. at the House Wednesday.

[loose screws (tightened)]

Things are falling into place for me. Funny it takes an AR diagnosis to have such great luck.

Although it's been only 1 week since being diagnosed, I've ruled out radiation therapy. I was very optimistic about radiation therapy at first but I've decided it's not for me. I want this tumor out of me completely.

With that decision I received a call today from the House Ear Clinic that my referral from my ENT doc has been approved and I'm going to have an initial consultation with Dr. Brackman.

Things are looking up. Yeah!

Mike

PS. I've been following a story from "another NY newbie" Cheryl who's a poster here. She had surgery with Dr. Brackman at the house on wednesday the 23rd last week. All things appear to be going very well for her shes walking around and eating solid food. Hopfully she'll give us an update post op post when she can.

[leapyrtwins]

Mike -

congratulations on making your treatment decision - and at record speed, too!

AN journeys are tough, but treatment decisions are often one of the hardest parts.

Good luck with your appointment @ House.

Please keep us updated.

Jan

[loose screws (tightened)]

Thanks Jan,
 I know that it seems I may be rushing things but if Dr. Brackmann say it's gonna need to come out, then why wait? Maybe I will set the record for diagnosis to surgery. But the way I see it, thats less time worrying for my family and more time living. Especially when you've got Dr. Brackmann as your surgeon and 2 granddaughters that want to spend time with me. Thank God I live near the HEC.

Mike

[leapyrtwins]

Mike -

some people take a very long time to make their decision - I was not one of those people; so I don't think you're rushing things at all.

I had my surgery approximately 6 weeks after my diagnosis and only consulted with one neurotologist (he does both radiation and surgery).  I knew at my first appointment that he was the guy for me - the only question was would I have radiation or surgery.  I decided on surgery within a week of seeing him - I didn't even meet the neurosurgeon until my surgery was already scheduled. 

I'm a firm believer in going with my "gut" and my gut said full speed ahead.  Let's remove this tumor and let me get on with my life. 

HEI has a great reputation, as does Dr. Brackmann - so as you say, why wait?

Jan

[CHD63]

Mike .....

This is great that you have an appointment on Wednesday.

I, as well, fall into the quick decision category and I do not regret the outcome one bit.  Because mine was a rare, rapidly growing AN, I just wanted it out of there and radiation was not really an option.  When the neurosurgeon compared my MRIs, he added me in to an already full schedule and I had my surgery within three weeks of diagnosis.  It was much better for me to have it over and done with quickly.

Keep us posted on what Dr. Brackman says on Wednesday.

Clarice

[ilsemor]

Hey Mike - I'll be at House after noon 1:15 PM for my follow up with Slattery, what time is your appt?  I don't know all your story maybe we can console each other there.

[ppearl214]

Mike,

good luck at your appt and please let us know how it goes.

Ilsemor, when you see Dr. Slattery, please tell him "hello" from me and looking forward to continuing to pick his brain, as needed, as well. (I had the honor of enjoying lunch with him and Dr. Weit from Chicago at the symposium).  Dr. Slattery will know who I am (tell him Phyl from the Discussion forums).  Good luck at your appt as well!

Phyl

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Mike ~

Well, you're certainly taking the fast lane from AN diagnosis to surgery - and I commend you for being decisive.  I agree that once you know what you want (surgery) and have a well-experienced doctor and facility nearby that you feel you can trust - why wait and put you and your family through unnecessary angst? 

I went from diagnosis to surgery in about 3 weeks.  It would have been a scant 2 weeks had there not be a cancer scare during one of my pre-op tests.  Fortunately, it was a false alarm and after initially canceling my AN surgery (the non-existent 'cancer' - supposedly in my liver - would have killed me within the year - or sooner) my neurosurgeon re-scheduled it for 5 days later and I was on my way.  No regrets.  I had a huge tumor, really troublesome symptoms and wanted this whole experience to be over with, just as you want your 'AN adventure' to be done.  That being the case, I not only empathize with your attitude but applaud your quick decision and determination to get through this.  I can tell you from experience - that attitude will serve you well. 

Jim

[Vivian B.]

Hi Mike,

Good luck on your appointment. Making a decision is not easy but glad you did it. Like you say, less time to fuss over it. Keep us posted on your surgeryd date.

Vivian