Officially in Watch and Wait

[dawns]

I guess I am officially in the watch and wait category now. I was diagnosed with a 1.7 cm AN in October, 2012.  I’ve lost about 80% of my AN side hearing and have some very minor balance issues and mild tinnitus (may be more than mild, but I am use to it now).  I am in Atlanta and have consulted with Dr. Mattox and Dr. Olsen at Emory and Dr. Howard Chandler and Dr. Cerenko at Piedmont.  I also sent my records to House Clinic in LA.  All have recommended Translab for me when I do need to have something done.  However, House recommended I have another MRI in six months to determine if the tumor is growing.  I just had the six month MRI and have no growth at this time.  Therefore, I will wait to have another MRI in October and go from there.  I'm relieved but also disappointed (if that makes sense).  On one hand, I really don't want to do anything right now but on the other hand I want to get it over with and move on. 

[arizonajack]

Your progression is pretty close to what I experienced, except my tumor was smaller and did show some growth 6 months after DX.

I sent my records to House and Dr Wilkinson recommended translab.

My other option was, of course, radiation which was preferable to me.

I had a consult with Dr Porter at the Barrow Neurological Institute here in Phoenix and he agreed that I was a good candidate for Gamma Knife. Keep in mind that the doctors at Barrow's Acoustic Neuroma Center do surgery and radiation and don't have an reason to push one over the other.

I chose Gamma Knife and I'll have the inevitable wait for the periodic MRIs in my future to monitor the tumor.

I suggest you research all of your options and talk to some Gamma Knife or Cyber Knife specialists before you make a decision.

[Echo]

I totally understand how you feel as I'm in much the same place.  It's a bit like a rollercoaster ride.  I was diagnosed June 2012 with a 1.8 cm AN. Had my second MRI which showed a possible 1mm change and am now waiting for my 3rd MRI that won't be until November.  Hopefully by then I will be ready to make a treatment choice and stick with it.  Right now I change my mind weekly depending on what I'm reading or who I'm speaking with.  Like you I go back and forth from wanting to delay treatment to wanting to just get it over with. You are so not alone with those thoughts! It's a process we need to work through and we all get there eventually. 

Cathie.