Greetings from the other side of watching and waiting
,
The good news is that there is relief, the bad news is that YOU (and your doctor) will have to decide when the appropriate time is to stop watching and waiting....Believe me, it is not easy dealing with the constant screaming (in your ear) and dizziness and fatigue is exhausting!
Myself, I was diagnosed in October of 2011 as having a regrowth, I waited until after the Holidays to see my Neurosurgeons Oncologist partner until January(that same year). I put off doing anything until June of 2012. I got 3 opinions and dithered and fretted and went online and asked for opinions and even asked for a Patient Advocate (who made my life easier by researching) the doctors I preselected. The final decision rested with me,
however! And I made use of the various patient experts on the ANA forum as well!
In 2004, I spent 3 months and lots of doctors visits (14 of them) and was obsessing about another surgery.....
This is not an easy journey! Anyway, in 2012 I finally made my decision about whom (Doctor) and where (at a well known hospital) and I just went on faith.
Today, 7 months (to the day) later after the radiation I am completely symptom free!
There is relief but you must take action!
No one can force this on you, you are the one who must decide when to stop!
What I am trying to say to you is, IT is in your hands.
You can name it, (as I did) but it begins with you taking control of your emotions and acting!
Some would say that in both cases (in 2004 and 2012), I waited too long. I would be inclined to agree, but then my story would be an old one and I wouldn't be on these boards telling you to gather your resources and research at least 3 reputable Neurosurgeons and go with your gut (and your faith) would I?
We here on the ANA forum are here to guide you, difficult as it may seem to you now, it is not insurmountable! We will do our level best (as non doctors) to give you our group support. You only have to ask(post)!
Mike
