Once You've Made Your Decision. . . . . .

[balluff]

HI Folks,
My husband found out he has a 4mm AN on July 10th and we saw the Dr.'s at the U of Minnesota on the 29th. He is currently experiencing the ringing in his ears and a sick stomache feeling everytime he eats..Tom is in the process of making his decision as they are suggesting the middle fossa option, and are looking for sometime in Sept to do it. Any advice, suggestions would be most helpful.
Or if anyone has had worked Dr Levine or Dr.Haines at the U of M, we would like to hear your experience..

Thanks
 Tom and Andrea

[ppearl214]

Hi Andrea (and Tom)... I'm sorry to hear that you all now join our ranks, but glad you are here to help learn more about the road you all now take.

In all honesty, an AN to be 4mm is very very small by standards, so don't feel "rushed" into making any decisions.  Many here are in "wait/watch" mode with far larger AN growths than that....

So, just a suggestion... .research, research, research.  Don't feel pressured into rushing into any form of AN treatment and try to research as best as you can. Another suggestion is to contact the ANA office (whether by toll -free number or by email) and ask for an information package to learn more.  Many here (myself included) share our experiences on these forums, so please take some time to do your research and ask as many questions as you can.

Most of all... please try to take a deep breath.  This certainly can be overwhelming to receive this diagnosis, but know that there are so many of us here to help you along.  Taking that deep breath is far too important. We're here to help you all as best as we can.

Please hang in there.
Phyl

[leapyrtwins]

Hi Tom & Andrea and welcome.

I had surgery myself, but if my AN was only 4 mm I'd very seriously look into radiation.  Just my opinion - and as we always say on this forum - treatment choice is a very personal choice, so Tom should do what is right for him.

As Phyl said, please contact the ANA about their information - it's excellent and will explain things to you in layman's terms - not doctor speak 

Also, as Phyl said, do your research - very important.  And make sure you find a doctor who is very experienced in treating ANs.

I personally don't know any doctors in MN who treat ANs, but I had my surgery in Illinois with a group that does both radiation and surgery.  If you're interested, please just let me know.

Just a side note - I'm traveling to Minneapolis on Thursday and can't wait to see your beautiful state 

Jan

[JulieW4]

Andrea and Tom,

I agree with Jan.  I would also look into radiation.  Many times when an AN is discovered, surgery is the only option given, but since the tumor is small I would encourage you to look into Gamma Knife (GK) or Cyber-Knife (CK).  You will find lots of info on this forum.  Take your time to research and then go with what your gut tells you is best.

Glad you found us and hope to hear back from you soon.

Julie

[Jim Scott]

Tom and Andrea:

Hello and welcome. 

The previous advice from AN mavens  Phyl, Jan & Julie is sufficient to guide you in the right direction as Tom seeks to decide on the best way to treat his Acoustic Neuroma.  It is relatively small.  Because Acoustic Neuromas are notoriously slow-growing I can only echo the cautions others have offered to research, consider radiation and certainly do not feel pressured to rush into a treatment within the next few weeks.   Upon my 'late' diagnosis I found myself in the position where options were severely limited and time was of the essence, but Tom isn't in that situation and he should reap the benefit of his early diagnosis.  Not that waiting is necessary a valid option, especially with his symptoms, but rushing into serious surgery may not be the most prudent path, either. Of course, the final treatment decision is for your husband to choose, with your collaboration, of course.   We'll be here to support that final decision and offer our good wishes, prayers and hopes as well as our advice and suggestions, when warranted. 

We now return to our previously hijacked thread (don't worry, it's only a misdemeanor).   

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Sorry - hijacking this thread again.

Jim -

WOW.  Now I'm a maven    Definition, please. 

I can tell it's not a bad thing since I'm in very good company (Phyl & Julie).

Jan

[JulieW4]

Jim, you are keeping me busy using my online dictionary.  Maven is the third word I have looked up because of you.

Just so you know Jan -

Maven (n) A person who has special knowledge or experience; an expert.
and I also like this definition - someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field

I think it's safe to say Jan and Phyl that we are definitely dazzling

Julie

[Jim Scott]

Sorry - hijacking this thread again.

Jim -

WOW.  Now I'm a maven    Definition, please. 

I can tell it's not a bad thing since I'm in very good company (Phyl & Julie).

Jan

As Julie's dictionary definition proves, 'maven' is a compliment.  You're welcome.  :0

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Gee, Jim's compliment is very cool 

Now, I'm an expert and I'm dazzling!  I just knew I was in good company with this one!

Sounds much better than being told I'm droll  LOL

Jan - just giving Jim a hard time 

[Nancy Drew]

Gosh,

My post really has been hijacked.  Glad so many are having fun with it.  Really, it's ok!!!

Nancy