Hey, guys. I've posted a couple of times here, but it's been a whirlwind adventure (if you could call it that) for the last few weeks.
To review, I was diagnosed with a left-side AN, 2.7 cm, in mid-October. I've experienced headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and some facial numbness. The tumor is pressing on my brainstem.
Being in the military, I've had to jump through some interesting hoops to get a referral. However, I was finally referred to Vanderbilt Skull Base Center. I met with Drs. Wanna (neurotologist) and Weaver (neurosurgeon). Prior to the meeting, I had my hearing tests. I have 100% speech recognition and little to no hearing loss with hearing being almost equal on both sides. The neurotologist mentioned that he preferred doing a translab with this size tumor; however, he did not rule out retro-sig. The neurosurgeon recommended retro-sig. Interestingly enough, the neurosurgeon has SSD (didn't say why), so he feels it's worth the risk to do retro-sig to try and preserve my hearing. We've scheduled the surgery for 6 January.
That said, he wasn't very hopeful for hearing preservation. Both doctors desire is facial nerve preservation, followed by total tumor removal, and finally hearing preservation. I feel very comfortable with this plan and am hoping everything works out. I'd love to retain my hearing, but my biggest concern is with the facial nerve. The neurosurgeon feels that success would be tumor removal and HB score of 1-2 within 6 months. I know every surgery is different, but I'm definitely concerned.
The other thing that weighs heavily on me is my continued military service. Obviously, the best outcome is the tumor is removed, I have no facial paralysis/hearing loss, and I stay in the military. I've already been told that, regardless of the outcome, my continued military service will be reviewed. Having reached 12 years, I've been on track to do at least 20 years and retire. Hopefully, that will still happen.
