Having 2nd thoughts about my decision....

[susierg]

Well....met with both of my surgeons last Friday and feel really good about my decision.  Both docs are specialists in the field and made me feel really comfortable.  One week from tomorrow it will all be over.  My hearing is so good, the audiologist told me he would'nt have known which side the tumor was on.  My balance is good....only really bothersome symptom is the increasing tinitus in my AN ear.  I have realatives and co-workers that don't understand why I'm getting it removed if it's not causing problems.  "Why risk losing the perfect hearing you have?"  I know that it is still very small and I have time, but I'm ready to get it out of there and go on with my life.  If I end up losing my hearing in that ear, well I will deal with that if and when it happens. 
Thanks to all of you who have responded with your advice and opinions.  It helps so much to hear from people who have gone, or are goin through, the same things.  for now,  gonna enjoy this week to the fullest and look forward to a 4 - 6 week rest.

[It is what it is]

I'm glad to hear you now feel comfortable with your decision.  My thoughts are with you. 

Karen

[leapyrtwins]

Relatives and coworkers don't have to understand.

It's your AN and your decision.

If you are comfortable and confident with your choice, which it sounds like you are, then that's all that matters.

Good luck with your surgery.

Jan

[MaryEBS]

Great to hear that you have done the research and that you are comfortable with your decision.  I have to think that your confidence will make your surgery and recovery a smoother ride for you. 

Best wishes for the future.

Mary

[schmidtkat]

Hi Susie,

Sharing any revelations that someone else has not already addressed for you is not going to happen in this post. In fact, this may seem like an echo in the mountains. Everyone faces a variety of challenges along this healing journey. For me, my AN was too large to consider anything but surgery. That was clearly articulated with my initial diagnosis and confirmed through multiple consultations. So my attention quickly turned to the decision of a care provider. Although I was as confident and comfortable with this decision as Jan mentioned in her previous post, I was definitely met with scepticism from friends and family. Ultimately, I had to be at peace with what felt would be right for me and leave it in God's hands. In some ways, defending my choice seemed to build confidence and a sense of reassurance in me as the surgery date approached. When asked, "why are you going clear out to L.A. when you live here in Iowa?" My immediate response was just a natural explanation of how I came to that decision, "I get one chance at this and I want the best." From the research and consultations I felt that was the best place for me to go. Many on here will give equal praise to their providers, so I am not in anyway discrediting their experiences. There are tremedous success stories from all across the country. My point is just as you've been told already...find what makes YOU comfortable and follow that path.
Positive thoughts and prayers for a peaceful healing process~Kathy

[jaylogs]

99% is good.

I was 100% sure of my decision.  Went into surgery cool as a cucumber.  No hesitation or second guessing myself.

Maybe I'm unique in this.

Jan

I was pretty cool as a cucumber going in myself Jan!! I think at that point I had done so much research and reading all the posts on here, I knew worse case scenario that could happen and so I was good with it all! 
Jay

[It is what it is]

I also feel at peace with my decision to have surgery on 8/1 at HEI.

Karen

[wwarr]

Making the decision of which  treatment one wants to take is one of the hardest parts of the AN journey.    I'm so happy for you that you made yours and 99% is great!  Now you can feel some relief that that part is over. 

I actually cancelled my first surgery because I felt horrible about my Doctor and his approach.  Everything he told me went against my gut feeling so I followed my gut and researched.  I found this wonderful forum!!! I found the ANA and then I made decisions I felt comfortable with.  Like Jan and Jay, I felt 100% cool as a cucumber going into surgery because of my decision and it was only then I felt peace.  It is such an individual experience making that decision and what's right for you.  I am so thrilled you are there!  Now just focus positive thoughts on surgery and recovery.  We all will be thinking of you.  I'll keep you in my prayers!   I had a middle fossa surgery and please feel free to message me if you have any concerns or questions as I would love to listen. 
Take care,
Wendy

[Linda1947]

I have a 3 cm, large, deep-seated AN. I spoke to two surgeons and they both said it had to come out. My surgery is set for July 30. I feel because of my age (65 in October), I should have the surgery rather than wait five years, when I am older, and consider surgery.
Best wishes to you.

[Chances3]

Hi Susierg,

I think whatever procedure we chose to deal with our AN is always filled with doubt, and second guessing.  As many AN members have posted here and throughout this site, decisions are personal, no one can make them for you.  However, we can try and give some revelation, so that we make good choices.  I think all would agree, that sooner or later a AN has to be dealt with.  I haven't read a post where the outcome is "I lived with the little bugger my whole life".  You're not human if you don't have some anxiety and emotions towards whatever decisions you make.  I didn't read what surgical procedure you chose.  I had a small tumor, but it was wrecking havoc with me, I chose middle fossa.  I did lose some hearing, but not enough to impact the quality of my life.  My tinnitus did get worse, which has affected the quality of my life, and after 21 months I still struggle with balance, but I am still seeing improvement - measured in months.  I hope my post was helpful, I will have you in my prayers for the 24th, for a good result and a speedy recovery.