Tumour size

[kiwi]

Hi Kate

I am definately in New Zealand. Born and bred.

[Patti]

mine was 4cm big and i did have complications, but they worked out with lots of good physical and emotional therapy.  a bad thing like a 4cm tumor was a gift to me unbeknownst to me.  my life is wonderful.  i hope yours is too!

[andre]

Hello Kiwi,I'm not much of a writer but I want to help. My AN was 3cm. I had surgery 11/30/09. My first appointment for surgery was for 11/09/09 but I chickened out at the 11th hour. The surgery was a success without any post op problems. From my experience I would have to say it was better than I expected. Don't drive yourself crazy with any negative news or other complications people report about. Relax and be positive. I am now two weeks PO and feeling great. Almost back to norm, (98% ok, 2% for the healing process of the incision) my balance has recovered and I am already driving. My surgery was performed by Dr. Marcos and Dr. Telischi (ENT)at University of Miami Jackson. They went in behind my ear, removing my vestibular and acustic nerves (my hearing was already diminished to 8%). I feel like I have a new lease on life.

[suboo73]

Hi Kiwi & Andre,

Just stopping by to say welcome!
Hope you find the answers you need here - this is one FANTASTIC group!

Please keep us posted on your progress.
All my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sue

[kiwi]

Had appointment with specialist yesterday and he has decided translabrinthe ? surgery is the best avenue for me as I have no usuable hearing on my left side.  I suppose good news is that tumour is 3.6cm and not 4 as first assumed.  My facial nerve is growing over the tumour and he has given my a 60% chance of no facial nerve problems.  He did talk to me about stroke risks but they seem small about 5% he said.  My brain stem is in the shape of an S but wasnt overly concerned with that!!  I know I was.....so now I spend Xmas and the summer waiting.......

[notnowkato]

Hi Kiwi,

I'm so glad the specialist could answer your questions and congratulations on the size being downgraded 

I also see you've got a date for surgery so hopefully someone with more technical knowledge than me will be able to add it to the AN calendar!

My thoughts are with you whilst you're waiting. Hopefully Christmas and all the summer BBQs will make the time pass quicker.

Kate

[suboo73]

Hi Kiwi,

Good to hear that you have met with the surgeon and have a date!
And you tumor is smaller than originally thought, that is fantastic!
Will you have both surgery and radiation like Jim?

My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time and all the way past 2/02/10.
Remember, we are here for you - you are not alone.

Sincerely,
Sue

[leapyrtwins]

Kiwi -

glad to hear your AN isn't as large as they first thought.

I added your surgery date to the AN Calendar for 2/2/10 (listed on your profile).  Is that the correct date?

Jan

[kiwi]

Thankyou for your kind words Sue.  Radiation is not an option for me.  My specialist thinks he will just get the whole thing out without radiating me.  He said radiation has a ripple effect and did not like the prospect of radiation anywhere near my brain stem.   I look forward to a once and for all removal but I am not looking forward to the side effects on my facial nerve.

[kiwi]

Hi Jan

Thanks for adding my surgery date, this is the date I have been told but not really confirmed yet.  And yes it is 2nd Feb 2010.  I never know how to write dates in here as you guys write them backwards!!!!! haha

[leapyrtwins]

Kiwi -

if your surgery date changes, just let us know.  Someone will change the date on the AN Calendar; not a problem at all.

Jan