formula30 ~
Your dilemma is one shared by the majority of those diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. Sometimes, I consider myself fortunate to have been diagnosed when my AN had grown too large to be considered for radiation. No decision to make, just have the surgery, ASAP. Three months later I underwent radiation so, in a way, I experienced both approaches to acoustic neuroma treatment. Happily, both the (retrosigmoid) surgery and the radiation (FSR) were effective and, much like Jan ('leapyrtwins'), I suffered no lasting deficits. Due to my procrastination, I was SSD prior to the AN diagnosis, making that a non-issue as I contemplated surgery. However, your predicament: deciding what kind of treatment to have, what doctor(s) to employ and where to have the treatment, is not so easily resolved.
Yes, AN removal surgery does carry inherent risks and involves a hospital stay (approximately 5 days) and other inconveniences. Of course, thousands of AN patients have undergone surgery with few complications, but, while the risks cannot be denied, they should not be allowed to override good judgment. As Jan pointed out, for her, having the tumor out of her head was her paramount concern, so, although she first thought radiation was best, she changed her mind and went for the surgery, which was successful and, aside from the SSD, which she knew was a possibility, going in, Jan experienced only temporary complications. Her story (and mine) are not at all uncommon with AN surgery patients. However, some do experience post-op problems that can be daunting. That has to be understood, which is why you're asked to sign a statement that legally proves you've been advised of the risks, prior to the surgery. Same with radiation treatment. Irradiation carries some risks, although often of a different kind and the potential problems don't always manifest themselves until some time later. However, you do get to go home at the end of the treatment day and that is very appealing to many. The natural aversion to having one's skull cut open is also a factor in choosing radiation as an approach.
As you've clearly stated, no one can make this crucial decision for you and whatever treatment you chose, there can be no guarantees. I wish it were not so, but here we are, all the same. I suggest having consultations with as many different doctors as is feasible and preferably with those who specialize in both forms of AN treatment, so to keep their biases in check.
As Jan stated, it's a bit of a quandary but eventually, instinct ('your gut') kicks in. I trust that you'll make a treatment decision that is right for you, irregardless of what others have done in their AN situation. Observation is always an option, too. We don't judge or favor any treatment. but we will support whatever approach you chose, and I know you'll chose well.
Jim
