Hi Everyone,
It's been quite a while since I posted anything, but I've been reading and trying to keep up with everyone's progress.
I had my 2.3 cm AN treated with GK by Dr. Georg Noren in Providence, RI last November and honestly (and very thankfully!) haven't had much to report since then...until now. I had my "one year mark" MRI done last week and got my results today. I was thrilled to learn that the tumor had actually shrunk a bit to 2.0 cm and that half of it appears black on the MRI. Necrosis is definitely an encouraging sign! I'm in the clear for another year!
I've been extremely lucky in that I don't feel any different now than I did before the radiation treatment. The vertigo I experienced had gone away by GK time. My hearing loss is very slight on the AN side (same as pre-GK). I know that could change at any moment, but I'm no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm running 5K's, working full time, volunteering etc. I feel really good and I'm focusing on that right now - instead of on Tootsie the Tumor.
Knowing some of the struggles a lot of folks in this forum are facing, I actually feel a little guilty writing about well I'm doing, but I know you'll be happy for me and I wanted people who are still researching their options to know that there are good outcomes. I think people tend to forget to report the positive stuff sometimes.
I'm so thankful to have found this group. You are all such amazing and supportive people. Your advice and stories helped me make the right treatment decision for me. I'm eternally grateful for your collective wisdom!
Cindy
P.S. I was sad to find out that Dr. Georg Noren had retired last summer. I'm now under the continuing care of the Rad Onc on my team, Dr. Jaroslaw Hepel at Rhode Island Hospital.
