Fuller:
Captain Deb (reply #7) is absolutely correct.
I presented with a 4.5 cm AN, pressing on my brainstem. All the usual symptoms: disequilibrium, head pain, fatigue, loss of taste. My neurosurgeon - with over 30 years experience in AN surgery - recommended debulking the tumor using the '
retrosigmoid approach' and following that with FSR treatments to destroy it's DNA and effectively kill it. He did just that, surgically cutting the AN down to about 2.8 cm and, with the employment of nerve monitoring, spared any damage to the facial nerves so that I came out of the surgery with no real complications, i.e. facial paralysis, eye problems or even a CSF leak (he used titanium mesh to close up my skull). I recovered rapidly. Within days after my discharge from the hospital (a 4½- day stay, including the surgery day), my balance dramatically improved, my energy steadily returned and so did my normal appetite. Two weeks after my surgery, with the surgeon's permission, I was driving again.
After giving my head a planned three month 'rest period', the neurosurgeon worked very closely with a highly recommended radiation oncologist - using a CT scan and 'fresh' MRI - to 'map' the radiation beams, which were low-dose and applied in 26 separate sessions. He said I wouldn't lose any hair (I didn't) or become nauseous (I didn't) and that the radiation should not only stop the tumor's growth but likely destroy it. So, far, so good. I have semi-annual MRI scans performed now and the AN is definitely shrinking and necrosis (cell death) is visible. Both doctor and patient are elated.
I posted this to offer a first-hand account of how this relatively new approach to AN removal works - and see that it
can be very successful, although I must hasten to mention that no one can guarantee your results will be identical to mine - or anyone else's, for that matter. I had no post-operative facial issues to speak of, other than a slightly 'crooked' smile that has pretty much resolved itself. No headaches at all. My balance is about 90% of what it was prior to the AN symptoms manifesting themselves. Of course, I'm deaf in my left (AN) ear. Tinnitus
is present in the 'dead' ear but at a low level that I can basically ignore. Considering the size and location of my AN, I can deal with a few minor inconveniences. Especially when I read what other AN patients have endured.
My suggestion is to explore all your options and choose a surgeon very carefully. I sort of lucked into my choice, as he was a member of the same practice as my wife's neurosurgeon, who specialized in spinal surgery. This surgeon recommended the neurosurgeon I decided on, and it was a good choice. He is not only both experienced and compassionate but conservative in his approach and not just 'in it for the money'. When I inquired about the cost of the surgery (a real concern) he told me not to give it a thought. He would accept whatever Blue Cross paid, ultimately a total of $28,000. for his services and that of his junior partner, a female neurosurgeon with a great bedside manner...very upbeat. I never received a bill from his office, with the slight exception of my $8. co-pay for the semi-annual office visits when he gives me a cursory neurological exam and we go over the MRI results (he explains, I listen, we both smile).
Frankly, all anyone here can do is offer information and advice. Based on my experience, I would recommend you consider this approach to dealing with your AN. Of course, the final choice is your's, alone.
.
Jim
