Hi acousticlady and welcome to this forum .....
It is a frustrating time during the decision making process of an AN journey.
Drs. McKenna and Martuzza have excellent reputations for successful acoustic neuroma removals. Question: did they tell you that your only surgical option is translab? If so, what was their reasoning? If you still have most of your hearing, you might want to send your MRI and audiogram to other places for 2nd and/or 3rd opinions. If you have already lost the major portion of your hearing, translab would probably be the recommendation from other surgeons, as well.
At 1.5 cm you should have the option of radiation or surgery. Again, you may want to send your MRI and audiogram to several outstanding medical facilities that specialize in radiotherapy for acoustic neuromas.
Now to answer your questions. My original AN was 2.6 cm. Due to childhood exposure to massive doses of radiation to my head, I was not anxious to go the radiation route. My initial tumor was removed 3 1/2 years ago, via retrosigmoid approach. I maintained 20% of very usable hearing following that surgery. Because my earlier radiation had apparently wiped out the function of my non-AN side vestibular nerve, I had significant balance problems following the 2008 surgery. After many months of vestibular rehab, I was able to function nearly normally, with a few modifications (such as not trying to walk in the dark by myself, staying close to solid surfaces where possible when walking, etc.). I developed tinnitus following that surgery. No facial involvement. Some double vision for about two weeks. No headaches. No dry eye.
Three years later, it was determined my tumor was rapidly growing back again (a very rare occurrence ..... only happens in 5 to 9% of cases following surgical removal). Therefore, this past May I had a second acoustic neuroma surgery via translabyrinthine approach. I had
very mild facial weakness for a few weeks (only I could really tell). No facial issues now at 5 months post-op. My balance was a non-issue since I had already compensated/adjusted following first surgery ..... no better, no worse. No headaches post-op nor now. Some dry eye for a couple of months, easily taken care of with Celluvisc drops at night. Tinnitus is still there, somewhat worse. No surprises or repercussions.
I am able to do everything I want to do. However, I am retired so do not have to go to work every day. I do a great deal of volunteer work with no problems. My husband and I travel a great deal without problem.
My first surgery was at Duke University in North Carolina and the second at House Ear Institute in California ..... both excellent facilities in the treatment of ANs.
Many thoughts and prayers as you walk through this difficult decision-making process. If you have not done so already, you should send for the free informational packets from the ANA. They will help you clarify your own thoughts and options. See:
http://www.anausa.org/index.php/contact-us/free-ana-information-packetClarice
