Dear Friends,
I posted a few weeks ago that my AN MRI was good with no residual tumor--all clear!
However, a mass showed up in my throat that could be a cyst or a vascular malformation. I went to a recommended doctor in Pittsburgh and he was unsure but thought it was a cyst. The problem is the location--deep in the throat, with lots of facial nerves in the way and close to the carotid artery. He sent my MRI to a neurologist for another opinion. That was nearly 2 weeks ago. I keep calling. The first time I found out that the neurologist had been gone a week and would be back this past Wednesday. They keep telling me to call, but everytime I call, still nothing. I called again today, and there was still no information available. I am very frustrated, as I do not know for sure what I have.
When I research on the Internet, I can't tell much because this could be about 50 or more things. I called my AN surgeon's office today (Dr. Chen) and asked if he could recommend someone else. He will be in Monday. To make the long story short, in my research I did read about the Osborne Head and Neck Institute in California. Are any of you familiar with it or know of someone who has been there? There are 2 doctors mentioned: Ryan Osborne the throat specialist and Jason Hamilton the plastic surgeon who works with the patient at the time of the main surgery. The website looks impressive. Of course, my husband will want me to find someone closer to West Virginia. I do want to have more than 1 opinion. Can anyone help me with information? Thanks ahead of time.
Sandy