I am, 34 Mom of 3 boys ages 1-5, just diagnossed with AN.

[moe]

Welcome Bonnie and imnocleaver!
Great support here. I see you have already found some fellow texans and many moms with AN's.
The forum can get a bit overwhelming if you read too many posts that don't pertain to what you are going through. (Ignore the worst case scenario stories-they are few and far between). -(mine kinda included)
So take forum breaks- this tumor is small growing, benign, and is treatable. Docs are always optimistic
Looking forward to assisting both of you through this
Maureen

[chatty cathy]

Hi Bonnie, I am also new to the forum.  I live in Texarkana, Texas and I am using Doctor Mickey and Doctor Roland at UTSW.  My first inkling that anything was wrong was August 2006.  I had gamma knife May 2007.  Hoped that would take care of problem but am starting to have issues.  I go back for an MRI, visit Doctor Roland & Mickey on September 9.  I love Doctor Mickey.  Will probably have translab done soon.  Will know more after seeing doctors.  I have been very satisfied with the doctors and staff at UTSW.

[Raven]

Bonnie,

I lost my hearing over night in my left ear, it was fine when I went to bed the night before. After two weeks of being on Prednisone my hearing never returned, but as MK said it worked for her, just didn't work for me. As far as Dallas, TX is concerned, the only thing I know about that is that the Cowboys are probably going to stink again this year........sorry, couldn't help myself, just trying to lighten the moment.

Seriously, you are among friends here........read as much on here as you can, but please keep in mind that there are so many good outcomes that you never hear about.

John

[Keeping Up]

Hi Bonnie & welcome

I don't spend as much time here as I use to when I was first diagnosed.  The board is tremendously helpful, knowledgeable and wise.  I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but with the influx of info, I also learned a lot, and made a decision based on all the input and have found great peace in this benign thingy.

I too am a mom of three boys (5,3,2) as well as my girl (7) - I am a bit longer toothed than you, still 37 years old for a few more months.

Out of curiosity, is the tumor 1 inch or 1 cm - most tumors are measured in cm (or in my case mm).  I am Canadian so metric is pretty close to home but no so familiar in the US.  [1 inch = 2.2 cm]

Good luck with your research - the right option for you will become apparent.

I am watch n'wait as the tumor is so small, and I am asymptomatic save hearing loss (mild) and tinnitus.    I am confident, possibly over confident, I will stay watch n'wait for several more years but I am very lucky  the tumor is so small.

Ann

[noodlenoggin]

I have no hearing in my left ear at all. I am waiting for the specialist to call me. I woke up with no hearing on 8/8, my Ent thought it was from a virus. Just got my MRI back and the growth is 1 inch. I live in Dallas Tx area. I am refered to Dr. Roland at UT southwest. Does any one know who else I should check with? Has anyone lost thier hearing and had it restored?

[leapyrtwins]

Docs are always optimistic

If they are, not all of them come across this way.  My neurotologist scared the sh*t out of me when he told me all the things that could happen to me if I chose surgery - even possible side-effects with a very minute possibility.  He's a huge believer in honesty and full disclosure - which I learned to appreciate as time went on.

Jan

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Bonnie,

Mom of 2 here (kids:one almost 11 and other 15)... age 46 chiming in...

I know this is totally overwhelming...    ....but as an experienced mom and AN tumor survivor know that I am sincere when I tell you that,

"You and your family is going to get through this!"

Know that this ANA family, IE the ANA discussion forum here, is super... and they are to be credited with getting me through this... as a mom etc.

I have sent you a personal message. Please check your inbox.

Cyber HUGS


DHM

[anissa]

Hi Bonnie, just want to say "welcome", you've found a place of great support.  I am 39 (hanging on for a few more weeks) and have four little ones, 1.5, 4, 6, and 6.  I had an AN about your size, mine was 2.1 cm, a little smaller than an inch.  I sailed through my recovery and was back to full time mom on my own after a couple of weeks.  Ask lots of questions!  You can read my blog, just click the little world icon under my name on the left.  Best wishes with your AN journey.