6 Month MRI

[Vivian B.]

Hi Everybody,

I had my 6 month MRI and follow-up appt. today. The MRI shows no growth and Dr. Schwartz said it was a good sign. I asked him if he saw any shaded areas an he indicated no but that as long as  there was no growth it was good. He did mention there was a 1mm margin of error. He explained that the pain is being caused from the tail of the tumor being irritated and so close to the hearing nerve. He said if the symptoms are geting better, they should slowly subside although I might still experience some ups and downs down the road. I was wondering at what point the shaded areas start to show. I was kind of disapointed when I didn't see any.

Vivian

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Vivian ~

Congratulations on the good MRI results!  FWIW:  necrosis doesn't usually show up on the MRI scan until approximately a year after the radiation procedure.  Of course, every case is unique so that isn't a rule, just a general observation.  As your doctor stated, no growth is the primary goal of the radiation and you've already achieved that, which is great news.  May all your future MRI scans be as positive as this one was!

Jim

[kenneth_k]

Hi Vivian.

I'm glad to hear that there evidently is no growth.

Best regards, Kenneth

[free2be]

Vivian,

Backing up what Jim said, Dr. Chang (or someone on that team) told me during my September CK treatment that on the first 6 month MRI they are just looking to be sure there is no growth. They do not usually see signs of necrosis that soon.

Hope that helps and glad you got the "no growth" report. What kind of pain are you having? I probably could look at your other posts to get this information, but just curious.

Connie

[Vivian B.]

Thank you all for your goodd wishes. I never feel alone when I have doubts, as I know you are all there somewhere. Connie I was having throbbing pain in the ear like a severe ear infection constant but it is now better.

Thanks again.

Vivian