I wI was diagnosed at 72. Had second MRI six months later and the AN had grown at a rate the surgeon felt was higher than he was comfortable with. Had Gamma Knife treatment about 6 months after second MRI and AN was a bit larger by then. I think for people our age, in many cases the ANs do not grow and this is what they look for in the way of whether to treat them or not. Another factor would be how many symptoms you have and if it is interfering with your quality of life. In my case, I was having balance problems, minimal tinnitus and pretty extensive hearing loss in the AN ear. Also, my hearing in the "good" ear was not great either. I am now 6 months out from Gamma Knife. The first three months, I felt fantastic...no balance issues, mild tinnitus and of course the hearing loss, which appeared to be about the same. At about four and a half months, I began to experience balance issues which seem to be progressive. Hearing has deteriorated (as expected in the AN ear) and also is a bit worse in my "good" ear, which I am sure is not due to treatment. From what I have been reading, this could be due to swelling after GK and hopefully will taper off. I am not sure whether or not the worsening symptoms can be expected to diminish, or remain as they are. Hopefully, they will not get any worse. Tough diagnosis to get at any age, but when we have a few years on us, it seems like we really dont have the patience to wait for positive results that take a long time. However, what is the alternative. To do nothing.....fine, as long as it isnt growing rapidly or causing major symptoms. Surgery....it was not what I wanted or chose to do. Radiation, while a bit scary, seemed for me, to be a good treatment, without being too invasive and with a good chance for good results. I am not sorry I had Gamma Knife. Have to keep remembering that the goal here was to stop or limit the growth. Once again, not sure what happens with these increasing symptoms, if they remain at the current level, get worse or lessen with the halt of growth and possible death of the AN. The AN in either case will still be there, even if it is no longer growing, so I guess that, in itself will result in some degree of symptoms because it still will put pressure on nerves affected. Its a lot to absorb my friend, but at 70 and over, we have learned that with courage and a good and positive attitude, we can adapt and deal with what life sends to us. All of us will have a different kind of experience which is dependent on so many variables. I try to keep on keeping on like always and push through the symptoms to do the things I always have done. Some days, its easier than others. I will have my six month MRI and consult in the next few weeks and I am sure my questions and concerns will be addressed by my wonderful surgeon. Doctors, no matter how great they may be, cannot give us guarantees of future results, its just how medicine is. I hope when I see him, I will learn that what I am experiencing is within normal limits for this type of situation. That will go a long way to keeping me positive and hopeful that things will get somewhat better and turn out the best way it can for me. My best to you. Good luck.
NYL
