My AN has returned

[vicki1967]

I had surgery for left side AN back in '08 and just found out yesterday (after an MRI) that I have a 'residual' AN now 2mx1m. Has anyone here had any recurrences of AN after surgery? I wasn't expecting these results and don't know if my body can handle another surgery. When I had it removed in '08, my whole body ached for two full years. I had flu-like symptoms about 5 days out of each week. I believe it was a form of Fibromyalgia as a result of the surgery. I've been quite depressed ever since I received the news. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Hokiegal]

Hi Vicki, when they say "residual", did they specify whether it's a new growth, or the remainder from your first surgery?

[arizonajack]

Yes, I have read lots of posts from members who had residual ANs.

Fortunately, the smallness of yours probably makes you a good candidate for fractionated small dose radiation to kill it without another surgery.

[Kathleen_Mc]

I found out about 8 years post op I had either residual tumor that was growing or happened to grow another AN in the same site. I remained watch and wait for a few years then elected to have it removed surgically. I could have had gamma knife but declined, I wanted to know it was GONE! You have choices with it being small, you don't necessarily have to have surgery for this, check out you options.
I must say though that I found surgery the second time around a breeze, first time I lost all that could be lost (facial nerve, hearing, balance etc.) so I didn't have that to adjust to, also the second time around it was a very Short surgery compared to the first.
take care, Kathleen