Hello,
I was diagnosed in December of 2010 with a 5mm AN in my right year. I just had my third MRI and my AN is now 6mm. The doctor says that for all intensive purposes we cannot say that it has grown, as the measurement is too close to tell. My hearing is 100%. I suffer from balance issues (fullness of ear, tinnitus and of course a feeling on imbalance). The neurologist has monitored my AN since my diagnosis. Now he says I can decide to either have surgery or keep waiting. I guess I am starting to wonder what am I waiting for? Waiting for the situation to get bad and then have a reduce chance of success? or am I waiting with the hope that I can beat this thing and escape the surgery in my lifetime? I do not know. But I am 35 years old and in good shape. I have a chance of losing my hearing with the surgery. I am comfortable with my team of doctors, and they have all been great on leaving the choice to me.
Since surgery has the best chance of dealing with the balance issues, I am leaning toward that over radiation.
I am torn on whether I should do the surgery now or continue the roller coaster of watching and waiting.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Maria
