Hi, Renee ~
Welcome to our little 'community'. Of course I certainly hope the MRI doesn't indicate an acoustic neuroma as the cause of your symptoms - but if it does, I think you'll be O.K. Although reading AN information on the internet can be a bit confusing and even scary, depending on the source, this website - specifically dedicated to AN patients - and these forums, populated by folks who are sympathetic and compassionate as well as having personal experience dealing with an acoustic neuroma diagnosis, are an excellent place to obtain practical information as well as lots of understanding and support as you work your way through the AN 'journey'. We're not doctors and cannot give you specific medical advice but as patients, we can offer you practical advice, based on our real-life experiences dealing with an acoustic neuroma. Although, to be honest, there are some negatives to consider, the majority of AN patients do just fine. There may be a few set-backs or surprises along the way (we can't anticipate everything) but most complications are temporary and are eventually resolved. AN removal surgery is decidedly delicate and requires an experienced, skilled surgeon. Radiation treatment, while non-invasive, carries it's own set of cautions and should be handled by a radiation oncologist familiar with treating acoustic neuromas.
The good news is that acoustic neuromas are 99.9% benign (non-malignant) and very treatable, even when they're grown quite large. Mine was large and was debulked and radiated very successfully. Many of our members have similar stories. Even those with less than perfect outcomes to surgery or radiation usually recover, in time. My parting thought is that you try not to dwell on the negative, should the MRI show a tumor. This is also a perfect time to draw on your faith. That helped me, tremendously during my surgery/radiation/recovery. I"m sure it will do the same for you.
Jim
