By- the-way Paulette, I meant to tell you that the doctors that did the x-knife on me, has only had one patient that had to have the tumor removed. When the tumor receives the radiation, it will swell slightly from the treatment, then start to reduce in size in time. When I had my x-knife procedure, Dr. Graham and his staffl, were ready with a surgical room, just to be prepared. Dr. Kolker did the radiation. One time during the radiation treatment, a man's AN started to swell too much, and they rushed him right into surgery. But the radiation he had already received, left his tumor very mushy, Dr. Graham told me that it was easily removed, and he recovered very well. But, this man,s tumor was very large to begin with and against his brain stem. I can't remember the exact size of his tumor, but I know it was over 3cm. It will take up to 10 years for my tumor to die, but my tumor was a 2.5 cm against my brain stem, now a year later after the x-knife, my last MRI shows it has shrunk to a 1.5cm. I was lucky to have doctors that were honest with me and answered my questions. I do not have to have another MRI until a year from now. Yea!! I hate contrast, it makes me feel dizzy and sick at my stomach. And with the balance problems from the tumor....who needs to be extra dizzy. After a MRI with contrast, I walk like I just polished off some tequila. haha That is why I am lucky that I have loved ones to help me get home. I hoped I helped in some way sweetie, but it is your AN, your future. You do what is best for you. Research all options..ask many questions. Sweetie hang in there, it is hard I know. If you ever need to talk teacher2b@prodigy.net Take Care and God Bless!!!! Karla
