Please Help

[han nah]

Hi,

Really pleased to find this site and especially one that has active participation!!

I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago with an approx. 18mm-20mm AN on the right side. I am only 24 years old and have been for the MRI and am now in the process of deciding either surgery or radiotherapy. Have an appt with radio-surgeon in a few weeks and then an appt with neuro-surgeon again.

Before being diagnosed I was really struggling to keep my concentration at work (I work full time in admin). Thinking is really hard, feeling like there is no connection to my brain and feeling metal exhaustion. I even found that I was forgetting simple procedures that I was well aware of. As well as all the other usual side effects.

I was wanting to know if anyone has experienced this? Also if people are able to remain working full time. I've decided to work part time (3 days per week) up until I receive and finish my treatment.

Thanks
Hannah

PS - I'm from South Australia. Is anyone else on here from Australia?

[Chris]

Hi Hannah,
I grew up in Adelaide but now live in Queensland. My AN was 2.5cm when I had radiation late last year. I had a course of 5 treatments due to the size of the AN. I had to travel to Sydney for treatment. Although I could have returned to work immediately I chose to take a few days off. I tended to feel a bit queasy during treatment and thought it would be a good excuse to take some time off. I do get tired easily but I continue to work as a Property Manager so there is no time to rest. In terms of radiation, you will find overseas have more options but between surgery and radiation you will find many similarities. Research and read this forum as much as you can before making your decision. I have found this forum to be the most informative and genuinly friendly and supportive. Good luck.

[han nah]

Thanks, it's great to know there is someone else from Australia on the forum

Thanks for your reply too. At the moment I am leaning towards surgery to remove the tumour. WOW - 2.5cm is a very large tumour isn't it? Did the radio therapy work for you?

I'm looking forward to looking around this site, what a brilliant help for people with this problem.

Is there anyone else on here as young as me? I'm only 24 

[Kilroy1976]

Han Nah, there has been some discussion about lack of concentration, etc., that seems to center around the brain attempting to compensate for its new limitations. Especially if you've been having the usual symptoms, the brain could be fatigued from trying to work around them. I don't know if there are any published studies to back this theory, but it seems plausible to me.

It's good that you're able to work part-time when you feel that you need to, but I wouldn't expect your treatment to be a magic bullet. Whether you choose surgery or radiation, it probably won't make you feel any better (aside from the relief of having taken action), at least not right away. Truth be told, it will probably make you feel worse in the short term. However, what you're shooting for with either procedure is long-term health. Also with either option there is a good chance that you'll be able to return to work and live a normal life.

Yes, there are people on the board as young as you. I was 29 when I had radiation, there are others my age, and I believe that Taylor is 18. Your youth can work for you in recovering from radiation or surgery, so don't knock it. Best of luck!

[Obita]

hi han nah:

Yes, young people post here and more from Australia as well.  I am sure you will be hearing from them soon.

I am 2 yrs. 5 mo. post op and the only trouble I have is mulit tasking.  I can still do it but I check and double check everything.  No one at work knows, just my little AN secret.  

My tumor was 2.5 cm also.  About the size of a dime.  As you read through this forum you will see that 2.5 cm is medium.  Some people on here had much larger ones than that.

Best of luck with your future appointments and treatment.

Kathy  

[Captain Deb]

Hi Hannah and welcome,
Actually 2.5 is considered a medium sized tumor, but more important is its location in regards to the brainstem. A good place to research is here:
http://www.anarchive.org/

Good Luck on your AN journey and we are here for you to help with any questions you may have--we have all been through what you are going through right now!

Capt Deb

[Chris]

Hi Hannah,

I am still having 3 monthly MRI's. My specialist says the little sucker is dying but I am still hoping to see it shrink. I know I can't expect to get my hearing back and there is a small chance of the tinnitus reducing but I keep hoping anyway. Through lack of information in Australia I made the mistake of comparing myself to others a bit too much. You will find that you can compare some of your symptoms to other peoples and that certainly will help you emotionally but don't make the mistake of trying to second guess how your treatment will turn out based on others with the same size AN and/or people of the same age. I only developed symptoms when the AN was already 2.5cm. Others develop symptoms earlier based on the location. Take your time and whatever you decide to do make sure you feel you have all the information you need to make your decision. It is a hard decision to make regardless but once you have made it you will feel heaps better.

[Kathleen_Mc]

han nah: I was 23 when my orginal tumor was found and surgically removed, there are other's around who've had them this young too. It is a very scarey time in your life, I know, but I also know in about 10 years it will seems like an entire life time ago (sometimes at least). You're young and strong.....great asset's to combating this.
Kathleen

[Taylor]

I was 17 when my AN was found and 3 or 4 days later it was removed.  it was removed so quickly cause the tumor was compressing my brainstem..(it was prettty large)  i could of stopped breathing or something in my sleep if it wasn't removed then. I still smoke which is a big no-no!