Hey guys,
I just wanted to report that I had my 1 year MRI last week and saw my radiation doc this week to find out news that my AN has shrunk 5mm since my 6 month MRI... YESSSSS!!!! Doctor said wasn't entirely sure of all 3 dimensions of the tumor but told me that the MRI showed in August 2008 that I had 10-11mm AN (at least in one direction) and now is back at 5mm.
My initial diagnosis came in November 2007 and I was told the AN was 9mm, then the MRI for Cyberknife treatment planning showed it was 14mm at it's largest point, so this is great news. I was hoping for "no growth" and actually got some shrinkage!!!!
I haven't been much to post in this forum, but I read it frequently and had I not discovered this site as well as the Cyberknife forum, I would have probably ended up having surgery and having to accept the risks/outcomes of the surgical procedure. So far, I have had no problems from the radiation, only suffer some hearing loss in the AN ear, which is what led to the diagnosis.
Again, I just wanted to pass along a CK success story (so far...) and would advise all you "newbies" out there considering your options of surgery or radiation to give radiation serious consideration. I mean, if your tumor is small and you have serviceable hearing and no other significant symptoms, consider CK. But, most of all, take your time, do your research, and weigh out the options. THEN, make your decision and don't second guess yourself. Don't be afraid to take your health/medical care in your own hands in terms of trying to find out the best possible treatment out there, because if I had followed my doctor's advise, I would've had surgery. Maybe it would've been a success, too, but maybe not. CK seemed to be the least invasive approach and I was a good candidate to have it. BUT, had I not done my research I would have never known about CK.
I appreciate all the comments by Jim, Steve, Phyl, Mark, and countless others out there going through this or have gone through this ordeal. You all have helped make my decision regarding my AN much easier. I'm here in Bloomington Indiana and if any of you Indiana AN'ers need advice or support, I'm here.
Regards,
Brent Townsend
