No change is good news?

[Sefra22]

I had my second year MRI last week. My PCP's office called to tell me there was no change from last year. Last year, I was told there was only slight shrinkage, and at 6 months, there was also no change. I asked if there were any signs of necrosis, but the answer was "No, no change since last year.

I have yet to hear from Dr. Noren's office, maybe his expertise will be more enlightening. I know the goal of radiosurgery is to keep it from getting bigger, and that necrosis and shrinkage are a "bonus", but I was still hoping for better news after 2 years. 

Lisa

[mk]

Lisa,

I would say that "slight shrinkage" and "no change" is an excellent outcome. You may actually never see necrosis (darkening). Sometimes it only happens during a small window of time between MRIs, so that you might miss it. And in the medical literature, necrosis is not always reported, even if the outcome is succesful.
So I would say that your news is very good. Let us know what your doctors says.

Marianna

[Tumbleweed]

Hi, Lisa:

Marianna is correct. You may not notice necrosis at the time an MRI is taken, because it might have already occurred. The reason is that after the tumor tissue dies (becomes "necrotic"), scar tissue typically forms. And scar tissue enhances white just like living tumor tissue does in an MRI. So there might have been necrosis occurring in between MRI sessions, but by the time the next MRI was taken, the necrotic tissue may have become scar tissue and, hence, didn't show up dark (like necrotic tissue does) on that next MRI.

So don't be worried about not seeing necrosis. Your tumor might already be dead! 

And count yourself lucky for not having tumor swelling! At two years post-treatment, you are already past the period of greatest danger for tumor swelling to occur and are fast approaching the "all clear" point. Yours is a great report. Relax, don't worry, be happy! 

Best wishes,
TW

[Sefra22]

Thanks to both of you for making me feel better. It's been a busy week since I had the BAHA surgery less than a week ago. It has made my AN symptoms stronger, (I'm sure it's just temporary, due to the fatigue). I usually have so few effects, that having the tinnitus,balance issues, and lightheadedness again is a little disconcerting.
I feel much better, today,though! Well so far, it's only 8am!
Lisa

[Richard in Palacios]

Hello Lisa,
I too must echo the previous responders, no growth is the best news we can get.  I am rapidly approaching my first 1 year followup MRI and have been praying all year that I hear the words "no growth" when my report comes back.  I am sorry that some of those pesky symptoms that you mention are again present.  Like you, I suspect they are only temporary and I hope you are symptom free soon.  Please let us know how he BAHA works out for you. 
Richard

[ppearl214]

Lisa,



Terrific update! ditto what others have said! Congrats on this update and good news!

Phyl

[Jim Scott]

Lisa ~

You were correct when you stated that 'no growth' is the basic goal for radiation treatment on an acoustic neuroma. You're also correct in stating that seeing shrinking and/or necrosis is a bonus.  'Tumbleweed' offered a good explanation of why this MRI may not have shown necrosis but that you may still have a dead tumor, which is quite likely.  Congratulations! 

Jim