Surgery over the age of 65?

[Echo]

I'm curious, are there many people who have surgery for these tumors over the age of 65?

Cathie

[midee]

Hi Cathie,

I just had my surgery 3 weeks ago. My tumor was 2CM. I was in watch and wait for almost 5 years. I started the aspirin therapy about 18 months ago to either halt or shrink the tumor. It did not work, my tumor grew from 8mm to 2CM in 18 months after almost 4 years. I had lost my hearing about 2 years ago and the tinnitus is all the time. My surgery went well. I was at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Care was excellent and so were both my surgeons. I started physical therapy 1 week after surgery and my therapist told me I don't need to come back because I am doing so well. Not much pain after surgery, Tylenol worked. No dizziness or balance issues either. It's because my balance nerve had already been compromised during these past 5 years and my brain had already compensated for the loss. I have been doing Zumba and exercise with Silver sneakers for several years prior to surgery. Silver Sneakers is for seniors over 65. We do a lot of balance exercises. I believe that all this exercise helped with my great recovery too. I just got my stitches out today. I am free to drive but the doctor said hold off about 2 more weeks before I go back to my regular exercise routines. The worst thing is I can't color my hair for about 2-3 months! (it's important to us ladies over 65!). All in all, I feel great. Last, I had many, many prayers going for me. I'll be glad to answer any questions at all. Just let me know and best of luck!

[Echo]

Hi Midee,

Congratulations on having such a successful outcome post surgery.  I really appreciate the info you have provided.  I'm sure your reply will be inspirational for many people who read your story.

I wish you continued good health.

Cathie

[kends2020]

Hello

I am 70yrs.  My AN discovered by accident during an MRI in November.  2cm.  I am lucky in that my only symptom seems to be ringing in my ear.  I have been trying to decide how to proceed.  First consult with docs recommended the cyberknife.  2nd opinion from Swedish Hospital concurred I am a candidate from the cyberknife.  So I have decided to proceed.

I am set for a serious of three procedures starting this coming Monday 3/5 then on 3/6 and 3/7.

 Ken

[midee]

Hi Ken,

Keep us posted on your procedures. I wish you the best of luck - prayers for you.

Dee

[rupert]

I hope everything is going ok with you Cathie.

[Echo]

Hi Rupert!

Good to hear from you and thanks for asking how things are.  I have been doing really well, however, I've hit a bit of a bump in my post Gamma Knife recovery.

If you remember, my AN was one of those that grew relatively fast after diagnosis, going from 1.8cm to 2.4cm in less than a year.  After GK, there was some increase in size due to swelling (as expected) and then it reduced in size back to 1.8cm within the year (2013-2014), much faster than my neurosurgeon and the GK Team usually see.  It remained stable with no change until this past October when I had my 4 year MRI.  I was shocked to find it had increased in size again to 2.3cm.  I've been feeling and doing so great that I just couldn't believe the news, and a change in size at this point is not usually expected.  After consulting with my neurosurgeon, we decided to wait until February and do another MRI to see if the growth was continuing and if it was, we would move forward with Translab surgery.  Well, the February MRI showed no change, the AN is stable at 2.3cm.  As my AN is not behaving in a typical manner, has not increased in size beyond it's largest size post GK, and because I am doing so extremely well, we are waiting another 6 months to see what's happening.  Everyone I have consulted with, two neurosurgeons, the GK team including radiation oncologist and my neuro ophthalmologist, all recommend waiting this out a bit longer and I agree.  I have another year to work until I turn 65 and I would like to keep working if possible.  That's were my question comes in wanting to know how many people over 65 have surgery.  I'm in excellent health and shape overall.  My medical team are telling me not to be overly concerned about age at this point, so for now I'm being very closely monitored and praying this is just a blip and everything will settle down again.

How have things been with you?

Cathie.

[rupert]

I'm doing great Cathie.  I'm recently retired.   I agree with waiting this out a bit.  Just so you know I'm 8 years out from my procedure and  the most reduction in size has been between years 4-8. Reducing by about half it's original size in those years,  after somewhat small decreases in years 1-4.  This goes along with what my team told me after GK, that the radiation could take up to 9 years to see the full effects.  Hang in there.   Bryan

[Echo]

So glad to hear you are doing okay, and congrats on your retirement Bryan!  Hope you are adjusting to the lifestyle change and enjoying every moment.

Thanks for the encouraging message.  I hope I do as well as you've done, you've certainly given me some encouragement!

Keep well,
Cathie.

[rupert]

Thanks Cathie, I appreciate it.  I've only been retired 4 days so there hasn't been too much lifestyle adjustment yet.   I certainly do plan on enjoying my time now.

You seem to have a large group of specialist behind you  and as you say,  you're being monitored quite well so everyone has an eye on things and there won't be any surprises. That's being really proactive and a good thing.  I also think being in really good shape is very important.  It does keep options more open but,  I really have a feeling that you'll be fine.  I will certainly keep a good thought for you.  Keep in touch. Bryan