2 month MRI s/p CK

[goinbatty]

Just an update - I recently had a follow-up MRI.  Findings - it's only slightly larger at 10 mm x 7 mm.  But I would have been fine without this comment - "While most of its features are compatible with vestibular schwannoma, interval visualization of a thin dural tail projected posteriorly from the IAC rasies the possibility of a meningioma, though statistically less likely."  I contacted my radiation oncologist this week and am waiting to hear back.  Either way, I'm glad I had CK.  Hoping it will kill whatever that little alien is in there. 
As far as symptoms, the tinnitus is a bit worse and I can tell my hearing has diminished somewhat.  But the thing I've noticed the most is clumsiness.  Not dizziness but just being off balance at times.  I've fallen a few times within the past couple of months.  My ear feels full and I occasionally feel like I'm being pulled to the right (right AN) which makes me a little off balance.  Hard to explain.  I've run into things but nothing major.  Most of the time I don't notice it. 
I can't begin to tell you all how much your support has meant to me over the past year. 
Take care,
Sandra

[sgerrard]

Hi Sandra,

Well, I didn't have that comment, and I'm fine without it, so I can understand your feelings.   

If you have your choice, I think you actually want an AN, rather than a meningioma. That's weird, a reason to want an AN. Hopefully your oncologist will clear it up soon.

I have had a little bit of that vague off balance sense, especially turning while on stairs. My back steps seem to be particularly prone to give me a moment of wobble. I have the full ear sensation a lot as well.

I am testing out a hearing aid, it seems to be working quite well, and besides helping me hear better, it seems to make me feel more normal. If it continues like this, I would have to recommend trying one.

Stay well,

Steve

[Sheryl]

AN vs. MENINGIOMA - well I can tell you from personal experience with myself having a 9th cranial nerve schwannoma (very close to the 8th nerve AN) and my husband having a meningioma (yes, with a dural tail) that has recurred after one surgery - that neither are much fun   Granted, both are benign tumors but benign can grow and cause problems - the good part about benign is that it does not spread to other parts of the body. 

Don't fret too much over the wording - the radiologist is probably covering his "tail" (I guess that's a pun??).

Please keep us posted.
Sheryl

[jb]

Sandra,
Sorry you're having to deal with this extra uncertainty.  Sounds like maybe a C.Y.A. term they put in your report, but hopefully the CK got it either way.  I have an email address for Dr. G. that I can PM you if you want it.  I've had a little better success getting in touch with him that way.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[goinbatty]

Thanks for the replies.
Sheryl, I can't imagine having both within the same family.  I don't know about you, but I've taken to calling myself a freak of nature.  Got to find some humor in all of this mess. 
JB, I emailed Dr. last week but haven't heard back, so I emailed Cheryl.  Will let you all know what I find out.  CK is used to treat both so hopefully that will take care of the little thing in there. 
Sandra

[Sheryl]

Sandra - yes, we do keep a sense of humor.  Hubby and I tell everyone we like to do things together -  MRI's, brain tumors, etc.  We joke with the doctors' offices that we are going to put our names on two chairs in the waiting room - especially the radiology facility where we go!!
Sheryl (not to be confused with Cheryl) 

[goinbatty]

Well I agree.  They should a sign over the MRI door, in honor of....
Got the response back from the doc.  He said it's probably dural irritation from the CK.  So I'll breath a bit easier til the 6 mo MRI comes around. 
Sandra

[pearchica]

Yeah on the good news.  And yeah, it is all about CYA with the medical community. I'm sorry that you had to go through that.  Take care of yourself Sandra ( BTW, I love your screen name- very clever!)

Annie

[goinbatty]

You're so right on the CYA.  I've been in nursing for years now and have seen that happen time and time again. 
And yes, I am way beyond batty from all of this!! 

Sandra