newly diagnosed, looking for radiation option in Boston area

[lesn8r]

Hi all,

I'm newly diagnosed with a 9mmx4mm AN.  I'm in the watch and wait state until my next MRI in November.  My early research has shown me many surgical specialists at MGH, MEE, and several other Boston area hospitals.  I'm setting up appointments with surgeons now.  I would like to balance this with appointments with radiation specialists also.  Would you folks, in the community here, comment on your SRS experience and doctors?

Many thanks,
Lesn8r

[researcher]

Dr. Steven Chang will look at your MRI for free. He does the cyberknife at Stanford.
Read about it here: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/brain-tumor-center/care-team.html

[tdlight]

Dr. Steven Chang will look at your MRI for free. He does the cyberknife at Stanford.
Read about it here: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/brain-tumor-center/care-team.html

The nice thing is Chang does about 50% surgeries as well, so you can be relatively sure he is not selling radiation over surgery or vice-versa because that is all he knows.  You have probably been frustrated like many of us with the a myriad of treatment recommendations (all claiming to be your best option ).  There is likely more than one good option with a tumor your size; educate yourself and figure out what YOU are comfortable with. 

Researcher is right about the free consultation.  It seemed odd to me at first so I called Stanford Medical and asked for a remote consultation with Dr. Chang and was told they don't do that.  So I pulled Chang's email off their website, sent him a screen shot of my MRI along with a polite request and I had an answer back from him within a couple hours.  I don't get that kind of response from my own mother...  :-)

Good luck. 

[lesn8r]

Hi,

Thank you for the responses!  I appreciate it.  I know I'm just starting my journey and as scientist myself I know the journey will not be a quick one.  I have found the ANA is a fantastic source of information and yes the webinars are awesome.

Cheers,
Lesn8r

[Sheryl]

Hi - Hubby used Dr. Mahaveden at the Beth Israel Cyberknife center.  It worked out fairly well for him even though another surgery was the treatment of choice at the time.  He has a meningioma and, although benign, has recurred four times.  I have been watching an 8th or 9th cranial nerve schwannoma for 15 years.  My next MRI is at the end of June and, if it is time to make a decision, I will most likely be using the Beth Israel group.  At almost 70 years old, I do not want surgery. 

Good Luck -
Sheryl