Hi, Tami, and welcome.
O.K. Take a deep breath and try to regain your focus. You've been diagnosed with a small, benign (non-malignant) tumor that has to be addressed but that many people have dealt with before you. Some of them will reply to you, here. Take their comments, suggestions and advice seriously as they are communicating with you out of concern and compassion and they know what you're going through because they've been there. That includes me. I was diagnosed with a 4.5 cm AN, underwent surgery then radiation and came through it all in pretty good shape, and I was very likely a lot older than you are. As you'll soon learn, I'm not the only one that has had this kind of experience.
With a 'medium sized' 2 cm AN, you'll probably have the option of radiation treatment, surgery or, perhaps, simple observation via semi-annual MRI scans. You're not going to die or become an invalid and in a few years, this will likely seem more like a dream than a reality. For now, it's a very real situation but one that doesn't have to be so scary. We'll help you get through this in whatever way we can. We've done it many times before with folks from all over the country and even a few living in other nations.
Consider yourself a part of a very extended but caring 'family'- and please ask any question at any time and consider these forums as a resource. You'll be O.K.
Jim
