13 months Post Middle Fossa

[Pharm925]

I'm so happy to report that I had my 1 year post-middle fossa MRI and I just found out that it was clean!!! No regrowth of the tumor and I couldn't be happier!! If you're still in the pre-op stages, have hope. I had to post this because I know when I was there I lived to see happy reports like this. I forget about my (now lack of) tumor most of the time now, which is great since before I thought about it constantly. I can hear some ringing in the ear, but mainly only when I think about it. It's louder after leaving a loud room/area. I only notice some hearing loss when I lay down with my good ear down to the pillow. Life is great and I hope someone finds some glimmer of hope from this post. Feel free to message me with any questions!!

[michellef08]

Great report!! As we just figured out - we have very similar stories. We were both 27 when we had our surgeries, which is rare! I am now 2 years post-op with an amazing outcome as well - hearing was saved, no facial or balances issues.

I also hope this post gives some hope to anyone who is struggling. The entire ordeal is very confusing and scary. Here is my humble advice - do as much research as you can handle and make sure you make the right decision for you. We are lucky enough that the tumor is normally slow-growing so you can take your time and see as many specialists as you can. Whatever route you choose - choose a doctor who is experienced with an AN. It is a rare tumor, and cannot be treated successfully by just any local doctor. Then once you have made a decision, maintain a positive attitude. There are many people who have great outcomes, and they are out there living completely normal lives now!

[ANGuy]

As a WW'er, I do find your posts encouraging.  So, if I get the surgery, I'll be 27 again?

[Pharm925]

Yea, it's rare to find someone else my age with this! Definitely good advice to research and take your time. I was lucky enough to be living in Houston with the largest medical center in the country. My ENT was amazing and I highly recommend him. I thankfully didn't have a large tumor, so the neurosurgeon didn't have a lot to do in my case, but he was great as well, they have been doing these surgeries together for I believe it was like 15 years.

Michellef08---did you also have middle fossa approach? My AN is my right ear too!

Hang in there ANGuy! Yes, if you have the surgery you'll be 27 again!

[michellef08]

Yes, I had Middle Fossa too!

[bethtretrault]

Having retrosigmoid in November. Looking forward to being 27 again! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for the positive posts. That is all I want to see now.