Hi, Micca - and welcome ~
I also was diagnosed with a large AN (4.5 cm) and underwent debulking surgery that included the severing of the tumor's blood supply. The operation was very successful and upon awakening (in ICU) my prior symptoms had disappeared. Although I underwent the retrosigmoid approach surgery my hearing nerve had been fatally compromised and my hearing in the affected ear did not return or improve. 90 days later, as a part of my doctor's plan, I underwent 26 FSR treatments to ensure the remaining AN would be permanently prevented from regrowing. Later MRI scans indicated necrosis (tumor cell death) and even some slight shrinkage. I suffered no real complications from the debulking surgery (performed by a neurosurgeon with 30 years experience operating on acoustic neuromas) and my recovery was relatively rapid. I was driving again 2 weeks after my discharge from the hospital. My point is that, while AN surgery can be somewhat intimidating due to the 'unknown' factor, it isn't necessarily the worst thing that could happen to you. As Cheryl noted in her informative post, most post-op issues are temporary and even with the stubborn problems, there are surgeries and therapies that usually can alleviate whatever the problem may be. I trust that with your positive attitude and obvious determination to surmount this challenge, you'll do quite well. and I will pray that it is so.
Jim
