Large AN, traveling for treatment, but where?

[leapyrtwins]

My suspicion was/is that there's little behind it, but asking questions from a point of skepticism can be good sometimes. 

Agreed.  I love playing devil's advocate on the Forum - gets people thinking . . .

Lots of things shouldn't be taken at face value.

Jan 

[Crazycat]

Just came across your post.

I had a large tumor and was treated by Drs. Barker & McKenna AT MGH in Boston. I had the best care a person could have at MGH with those two. With a 5cm X 5cm tumor, my case was not an 'in-and-out-of-the-hospital-in-2-3-days'  situation either. I had two surgeries for a shunt and the tumor resection (debulking) one month later. Between the two surgeries I was in the hospital close to five weeks altogether. I came through the ordeal fabulously however. MGH gets my vote!

Please contact me for further detailed information if you need to.

Paul

[august22]

I had my AN (Translab approach) removed at House in LA by Dr. William Slattery and a team of others. I felt like I was in the best hands. My tumor had cut off my hearing and balance nerves so I already had SSD going in. The tumor was also on my facial nerve so there was the chance of losing that. They were able to scrape it off the facial nerve and I have no paralysis at all.

There are probably other good Dr.s out there that have been trained at House. But not all the people involved in your surgery (if you go to a facility other than House) will have the expertise of House. Look at the numbers. House has done more AN's than anyone as well as the research.

Good luck

[Crazycat]

You stated that your surgery would require a retrosigmoid approach.

Come to think of it, the last time I met with Dr. McKenna, he told me I had the same approach with my surgery. I never knew that until last year and my surgery was in '05.

[pjb]

I too have had the Retro approach and have constant headaches I went with this to preserve my hearing but did not do my research with other options and doctors. I believe they say the headaches are from the dust from the drill if the doctors to not take precautionary measures with gel foams to absorb it that is when problems arise... So far it sounds like you have done your research and definitely I am partial to HEI and I did not even go there just by their track numbers is enough for me and Dr. Friedman reviewed my reports after surgery was done by another team in the NY area and I was very impressed with that.  I have heard great things about Dr. Sisti Columbia and Dr. Golfino at NYU...but with the small piece I have left behind if it ever grows (praying it does not) I think I would get the courage to fly to HEI..Good luck with whatever decision you make just research and choose a GREAT team.

Best Wishes,

[sterry]

I had a translab for 3.7 cm AN at House 10-09 and travelled from Wyoming and would do nothing different. My outcome, like many has been excellent, no headaches, balance good, no facial problems. Do the homework, and go with your heart and gut. Best wishes.
Susie

[Handma1d]

Greetings,
Am 3 weeks post-surgery and am doing great. I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is fairly close to you. My ENT surgeon, DR. Robert Daniels, is a phenomenal surgeon. He has 20+ years experience. He operates with neurosurgeon, Dr. Bryan Figeroa. Doc Figeroa is younger, but is also excellent. He was recruited to come to West Michigan because he is so dang good! Dr. Henry Arts at the U.of Michigan is also excellent if Eastern Michigan works better for you. Dr. Arts did my second opinion for me and was a wonderful resource. He has many, many years of experience. I'd say good luck but I don't believe in luck. I will say God bless you, however! Hang in there!
Peace,
Diane

[Mei Mei]

I suggest Capt Deb go to Dr. Ducic at Georgetown.   I've been through the Botox/Xeomin, Cluster headache treatment and after Dr. Ducic and Dr. Maureen Moriarity, I am happily doing much better.
In good health to Capt Deb.
Mei Mei