Hi SDW79,
I thought I would share my story and decision to your question. Almost a year ago today I found that I had a 9mm x15mm AN. It started with a fullness in my hear and a small hearing loss. I went to an emergicare facility since it was the weekend to have my ear checked- out. The PA told me I had an ear infection which I questioned outloud, "how can that be, I have not had a cold nor do I have allergy problems.
" Her reply was, "Well that ear looks different from the other ear." Take the antibiotics and if you do not sense any improvement, then go to an ENT. Two weeks later, Iwent to the ENT. Had a hearing test(which showed some hearing loss). He said it could be due to one of 2 things: a sudden sensory hearing loss or an AN(which would have to be ruled out by an MR)I. He recommended a round of prednisone to see if that would clear anything up. Two weeks later no difference so I had the MRI and on the way out the door, the tech says "Good Luck". Well that sort of answered my question before I got the call from the ENT. Soooo from that time, I went to an otolaryngologist. He gave me several options based on the size of the AN: wait and watch for 6 months and then repeat the MRI or talk to a radiologist. I choose to wait 6 months and repeat the MRI. There was no growth and the oto-doc said to wait another 6 months and repeat MRI. Well during that 6 month period, I started my own research, looking into all the options available and found a doctor here in NC that has many many years of experience removing these "things" and actually trains other neurosurgeons. I made an appointment with him and felt very comfortable and confident in his advice, which was surgery. He felt that based on the size of the tumor he could preserve my remaining hearing. So for three months I processed all the info I could on all my options. I have choosen surgery(which will be July 7th) based on several reasons. I could have the gamma knife done here in NC, but he pointed out several things: I would still have my hearing for 2-4 years, but overtime it might decreased, it is usually difficult to do the GK without some damage to the balance nerve and there is no documentation to the effects that radiation will have on the brain/body 10-20 years down the road.He also does not recommend radiation for young patients(i'm 47) The neurosurgeon stated that with the surgery, he could remove the tumor(because it is small), and preserve my hearing. He monitors the auditory brainstem response and facial nerves during the procedure. With all this being said, which I know is alot
, I felt best with getting the tumor out!!! That of coarse is an individual decision; one that I have prayed daily about. Many people choose other methods and are very satisfied with their decision and outcome. I pray that you will take time and weigh your options and find peace with your decision. Let me know if you have any questions.
Lisa
