So much for slow growing....

[Blags]

I was diagnosed with a 7mm rt an on march 26. Have surgery booked for oct 3 but still wasn't 100% confident in my decision. I asked the surgeon if I could have an MRI done before to see if growth or not and figured that would firm up my decision - well had one yesterday at almost 5 month to day of original scan and unofficial report is it has grown to 14mm. So I guess I am now 100% confident in my decisions to move forward with microsurgery. I know there are degrees of error and differences between technicians and what facility does the scan but I don't think the fact that it has grown can be disputed. Now I wish I did the surgery months ago like my gut told me initially! Hope it hasn't attached to facial or cochlear nerve.

[millie]

Hi Blags-
My MRI's were five months apart, and the thing grew about 3mm by 1 mm...and the original size was reported differently by a couple different doctors.So I still wonder about the size-but I think increased symptoms suggest "the thing" up there is doing something sneaky. Just MHO. I am having surgery mid-October.  I have been told it is all right to wait till then. (I have a wedding and my Medicare needs to kick in) My hearing is pretty much gone in my left ear; I'm having balance issues and head fullness and ringing.
I look forward to a better life after surgery.  Try to hang in ...Millie

[Jim Scott]

Blags ~

I'm sorry to learn about the noticeable growth of your AN but the positive aspect is that, as you stated, it makes you more confident about your surgery decision, coming up soon (10/3).
Having a positive attitude going into surgery is, in my opinion, crucial to having a good outcome and dealing with any complications that may occur.  I wish you a very successful surgery that will end, not only the growth but the existence of your AN.

Jim

[It is what it is]

How are you?

Karen

[Blags]

Tomorrow is 2wks post op. staples come out. Still very dizzy all the time but other than that feel good. No pain. Fullness in ear but assume that will go away with time. Hoping spins stop. I just keep moving as much as I can and do my vestibular exercises. Emotionally I feel so clear and all the stress of the tumor has been lifted off of me. Didn't realize how stressed I was this whole year.

[It is what it is]

Congratulations!  It is wonderful to hear you are doing well.  The vestibular symptoms are what I also experienced but isn't it amazing that there isn't more pain after a major surgery like that?  I stopped pain medication in the hospital and haven't used any since.  I am happy for you that you are tumor free. 

Karen

[Jim Scott]

Blags ~

Great news about your successful surgery!  The stress can really do a job on us but I'm glad you're feeling better, now.  The dizziness should abate as you heal, walk and do your vestibular exercises. That worked for me. 

Thanks for posting. 

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Blags -

I, too, had unexpected growth.  My diagnostic MRI was done mid-April 2007 and my AN was 1.5 cms.  I opted for surgery (had the choice of surgery or GK) approximately 6 weeks later on May 31, 2007 and my docs said my AN was 3 cms.  No explanation for the growth.

I was told that it was lucky I didn't opt for GK because during the procedure they would have found out that my AN was too large (based on my doc's size limit).

Glad your surgery went well. 

Best,

Jan
 

[dtorres135]

to Blags:

Any complications post surgery like facial drooping, weakness, scar tissue?  Where did you have your surgery

[Blags]

Hi- I had surgery at Weill Cornell in NYC. Slight droop on lip and slow blinking eye.. But all is back to basically normal now. I'm at 8 wks post op. incision has healed beautifully. No neck pain or headaches now. Balance is getting back to normal in regular activity with eyes open. Doing therapy still, eyes closed still wobbly. Getting ready to get back to active life and hit gym (at reduced rate) next week. Couldn't be happier.