Hi, Kate:
I didn't have a lot of time to speculate about my AN because it was large (4.5 cm) and pressing on my brainstem when I was finally diagnosed. I jumped on the internet and found a lot of information, including this great website, but I wasn't scared, just annoyed, which is my usual reaction to medical problems as I've had so few of them over the years. My wife was a 'rock' during the whole experience. We were fortunate to find a very compassionate neurosurgeon with decades of AN experience to perform the surgery. While undergoing pre-op tests (a CT scan) an unidentified 'mass' was found on my liver. No one said the word
cancer, but the neurosurgeon immediately canceled my surgery (scheduled for 10 days later). I was referred to a very pleasant oncologist. He ordered a liver biopsy. That was interesting. We demanded the biopsy results be conveyed to us as soon as they were known. That evening I received a phone call from the oncologist. He was elated to inform me that the biopsy showed a non-cancerous
hemangioma which required no treatment, as I was asymptomatic. The AN surgery was quickly rescheduled and, frankly it looked a bit less intimidating from that point on. Much later, my wife admitted that the oncologist had told her (privately) that if the liver 'mass' turned out to be cancerous, I would have less than six months to live. She never mentioned it during that time. What a girl.
I went into the surgery with the full intention of coming through this experience 'intact' and getting back to my normal life as quickly as possible. I had an excellent surgeon, was in (otherwise) good health and I fully expected to do well. I did. I had few complications post-op and was walking around the hospital floor by the fourth day, eager to go home. After proving to the PT nurse that I could maneuver quite well, I was discharged by noon on the fifth day following my surgery. I insisted we stop at my favorite diner where I could eat a stack of pancakes with my family (wife and adult son). Delicious! Once home, I took it easy and slept a lot the first few days, which is typical. Within a week, a visiting PT nurse came by and gave me some balance exercises to practice. I did them religiously - and my balance improved. After three visits and 'practice' sessions, she told me I was doing so well I didn't need her - but to keep practicing. I did, but I also began walking around a nearby park with my wife a few times a week, about two miles per walk, which also helped my balance. Within a month from my discharge, I was driving (with my doctor's permission) and feeling great. It was good to 'be back'.
Three months later, I began scheduled FSR treatments, which lasted for 26 sessions. I had no problems during that time and at my one-year surgery 'anniversary', my MRI showed tumor shrinkage and necrosis. I maintained a very positive attitude throughout both my surgery and radiation process. I
wanted to get 'back to normal' as quickly as possible. I simply wouldn't accept anything less. Now, I fully realize that I was very fortunate in not having any serious post-op complications and that my experience may not reflect the average AN patient. My surgeon said I was in the top five percent of any AN surgical patient he had ever operated on, in terms of my recovery, which was rapid. Ultimately, I give the credit for my recovery to God but I maintain that my own positive attitude certainly helped. I was
not going to allow this 'AN thing' to ruin my rather pleasant life.
Admittedly, almost two years out (of surgery) I feel much better than I did two months out, so time certainly does heal. I also admit that had I experienced any of the severe post-op problems some AN patients do, I have no idea how well I would have handled that situation. I also freely admit that positive thinking and setting high expectations isn't a guarantee that all will go smoothly or healing occur rapidly. However, setting high expectations and having a determination to get well certainly didn't do me any harm, either. I recommend it to anyone facing an acoustic neuroma diagnosis and dealing with the fears and concerns we all go through at that time.
Thanks for the opportunity to offer my perspective based on my experience. I hope it edifies.
Jim
