I have been watch and wait since 2/2011. My tumor measured 5x7mm at that time. Over the past year and a half my hearing had declined pretty dramatically, I took 3 courses of steroids at separate times trying to salvage it to no avail. My last audiogram showed a word recognition score of only 55% and about 80 decible loss in the mid frequencies to high frequencies and 40 in the low. My 6 month MRI showed no growth or should I say "substantially unchanged". But at 18 months the radiologist read it at 7x9mm and then went back and reread the other and found it to be 6x8mm. Not big numbers but growth nonetheless. Around about my 18 month mark I also started noticing some sensations in my face on the AN side. Not pain, but pressure. you know that sensation you get when you bite into something sour.....that's it. (and I love sour things, so it takes a lot to get that feeling out of me). My oto doc wanted me to continue watch and wait, but I'm just not comfortable with that, what are we waiting for anyway? Growth - check, hearing loss - check, increased tinnitus - check, facial involvement - check. Oh wait - balance is good, let's wait till I lose that too. i decided to go back to one of the 3 docs I originally consulted with, who I liked, but just seem to click better with the other doc. So Dr. M recommends Cyberknife and that's what I'm doing.
I went today for my mask fitting, mri and CT. The radiation oncologist and Dr. M. will work on the plan together and I will have 3 treatments, 1 week apart. Probably the first in about 10 days or so. Sounds like a good plan to me. I'll keep you all updated.
Becky
