Let's talk slivers

[Jim Scott]

Alicia ~

The fears that many AN surgical patients harbor regarding the potential growth of a 'sliver' of the tumor left behind is why my neurosurgeon (as he explained it to me) opted to only de-bulk my large (4.5 cm) AN, effectively removing it's blood supply but avoiding disturbing cranial nerves, then subjecting the remaining tumor (about 2.5 cm after surgery) to 26 FSR treatments intended to destroy it's ability to reproduce.  As my signature shows: 'so far, so good'.  My pre-op symptoms never returned and the last MRI showed necrosis and some slight shrinkage. 

Of course there are never any guarantees and I realize that the de-bulked and radiated AN could re-grow.  However, I believe that possibility is unlikely and, as you cogently stated, we cannot change that possibility so, like you and most others, I live my life with appreciation and a sense of blessedness.  Besides, at my age, I have no illusions about living 'forever'.

Jim

[Keri]

Alicia,
I'm glad I found this thread. I was wondering about how you were doing with the little bit left behind. Glad you're keeping us posted.
Keri

[epc1970]

Just thought I would update the "sliver" subgroup: my MRI last week showed a stable remaining tumor-no growth! Next MRI for me will be in 18 months. I hope everyone else has the same or better results with their next scan!
Erin

[alicia]

That's great Erin!  I am jumping up and down for you!  Hope this allows you to relax and put this behind you for the next 18 months! 

I need to make my MRI appt. soon, so will up date then!  A

[alicia]

I had my 1yr post op MRI about a month ago and found the same amt of tumor...5mm.  I am glad it has not grown, but sure wish it was smaller.  All back to normal except SSD/ringing!

Michelle - have you had yours yet?

[sues1953]

Hi All,

I wanted to respond to this thread.  I am 3 weeks post opp and hanging in.  I am soo impoving.  The Dr. told me he left 3mm behind to save the facial nerve.  I will have MRI in 6 months.  I do hope with all my heart that I will see the tumor die.  I have great hope that the blood supply was cut off.  It is such a roller coater ride.  This forum has been such a great help.   

Sue

[alicia]

Hi Sue, I am glad you posted here.  Hope you are feeling better everyday.  Your surgery was 1 day after my 1 yr anniversary!  Believe me, time will fly.  I can not grasp that a year has gone by already.  For so long, when the topic of the surgery came up - it seemed so recent...now it seems long ago enough to lose importance!

Take care of yourself in the coming weeks, go slow and relax. 

Here's to lonely little slivers shriveling!  Life is a roller coaster isn't it 
Alicia

[sues1953]

Alicia,

Thanks for the positive input.  Life is certainly a roller coaster ride. 

Sue

[Brewers7]

I am 19 months post op and I was left with a sliver.  My last MRI was in March 2010 and no growth.

[alicia]

Anyone want to keep this post alive?

I have enjoyed rereading all the old posts from 2009 and 2010 and remembering everyone that helped me along the way!

My sliver was 5mm post op and is now 10mm.  Considering Gamma Knife in the next few months.

I would love to hear other updates involving slivers!

[jaqiday]

I too have a sliver left, not sure how large exactly Dr said it is tiny and not to worry about it. I am 5 months post op, have facial paralysis, tinnitus, balance issues and no hearing. (so much for saving my nerve and hearing!)  In hindsight I wish I removed the whole thing and was just done with it.

My follow up MRI is due in Oct, I will post any findings then on size.

[LakeErie]

My operative report stated 95% to 97% of the tumor was removed and I will have my 4th year MRI end of next month. I had two slivers, one on the facial nerve at the opening of the IAC and the other on my brain stem where the surgeon was unable to find a plane to dissect. My last MRI, 18 months ago, did not show enhancement of the sliver on my brain stem so I assume that portion died, I will ask about that on my app't for the scan result two hours after the MRI. There was no change in size on IAC portion of the tumor, but it did enhance so I assume it still can regrow. I'll post my results Sept 30.

[jcinma]

I had a reoccurrence in 2004 and had already lost the hearing from the first surgery done in 1996. Saving the facial nerve was my priority. Left with a good size sliver but surgery got it off the brain stem. Facial nerve is functioning. Followed up with FSR and tumor has remained the same size for 10 years.

[leapyrtwins]

My surgery was 5/31/07 and no "slivers" were left behind.  My docs told me that they removed my AN completely.

I realize that "completely" is a subjective term when it comes to ANs; even one small cell left behind can trigger regrowth, although the chances of that are around 2%.

But so far, so good.  All my MRI's have been clean; I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my next MRI (due in 2017) is clean also.

Jan

[epc1970]

Hi Alicia
I'm really glad to see that you have revived the topic of slivers. I look here every so often to see how every one is fairing with their sliver over time. I am, however, sorry to hear that yours has acted up over the years. Was the growth of the 5mm all at once or was it a couple of mm over your MRIs over the years? Please keep us updated on what you decide to do treatment wise.
I had my 7 year post op MRI back in May and I'm so thankful that my sliver has remained stable over the years. I'm have been at two year scans for 4 years now. Every scan brings renewed anxiety. I have toyed with have radiation with the hopes of fully putting this behind me but my surgeon is strongly advising me to stay the course
I wish you the best of luck with what you decide to do regarding treatment.
Take care!
Erin