Retrosigmoid surgical approach vs. Gama Knife radio surgery

[amurgatroyd]

I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma a year ago. I have been offered both the Retrosigmoid surgical approach and the Gama Knife radio surgery approach. I am hoping to learn what others think the best approach may be for me given my circumstances, and what the pros and cons are for each procedure.

I am a 64 year old, but fit and in good health. I recently ran a half marathon. My acoustic neuroma measures 0.3 x 1.1 x 0.3 cm, which makes it small and under the 3cm standard where both approaches are possible.

I had a recent growth of the tumor, twice the normal growth, in a 7 month period. My symptoms are significant, but "serviceable" right sided hearing. I do get episodes of dizziness about 1 or 2 twice a month. 

Thanks so much,

Anthony

[DanFouratt]

Good Morning,

I was in your position several years ago and found the information over whelming.  I retired and focused on this.  My wife had another word for it "obsessed".  I updated the information about 12 months ago.  I am not a doctor but an engineer.  I simply tired to organize the information.  If you are interested in the matrix email me and I will send it along.

(Dan, for your online safety and the safety of others, I removed your personal email address. Please feel free to message others through the private message option here on the discussion forum. Thank you for your understanding. Phyllis)

Good Luck on your journey,

Dan

[amurgatroyd]

Thanks Dan. I sent you my email address in a private message.

Anthony

[Mark F.]

Hello Anthony,

I usually try to check this site everyday but I missed your message as I had a busy weekend.   I am 57and I had surgery last May when I was 56.   No matter what you choose, staying in shape is your best defense.  I stayed as active as possible before surgery even when all I could do was a treadmill with hand rails because of such poor balance.   But after surgery, and after I regained my balance back I started training again, and 6 months after surgery ran a 28 minute 5k.  So your running days are far from over, and would be your best course for your recovery should you choose that option.   

Now that being said, Dan has a great result from cyber knife, so the choice for which method you go with is really up to what you find the most comfortable for you.  Weigh the options, make a decision that you think is right, and stick with it, regardless of what others think. 

I'll be glad to answer anything I can, but know you have support here no matter which direction you choose.

Mark.

[DanFouratt]

Anthony,

Mark and I have both posted on several posts.  Basically he is very happy with his decision for surgery and I am very happy with radiation.  He is correct it is your decision and make what is best for you.

Dan

[mwatto]

Hi Antony like Dan I am very happy with my choice of Cyberknife done 8 years ago, I am 65 now and in good health. No side effects but still have nerve pain deep in that ear from time to time (also had before treatment) - mine has shrunk just over half. My hearing is still good as is my balance.