Radiosurgery for regrowth

[Patti]

So I stopped checking this sight regularly since it has been 15 years since microsurgery of a 4 cm tumor at age 38.  I had a routine MRI in August and was shocked to learn that it has returned (2.9 cm x 0.6 cm).  It was not showing in my previous MRI four years before. My previous neurosurgeon brought my case before a tumor board at Montefiore Hospital.  They recommended stereotactic radiosurgery.  I go on Wednesday for a new MRI and then the treatment is shortly after that. I had every possible side-effect from my first surgery, so I am a bit anxious.  So, my question is, am I more prone to side-effects from radiosurgery since I experienced so many from microsurgery?

[arizonajack]

Those dimensions are a little odd. About the size and shape of an inchworm.

Readers will respond with their results but there's no way to predict yours.

Having had SRS in January 2013 I can tell you that my own symptoms weren't any worse after than they were before. I lost my hearing on that side prior to treatment. Other symptoms were mild tinnitus (still have it), dry eyes (still have it), imbalance in the form of lurching from side to side while walking (that was resolved within a few months after SRS).

I guess the positive side is that they aren't cutting you up again so there's a good possibility that SRS will leave no unpleasant after effects other than the 4 sore spots associated with the head frame. But that goes away in a week or two.

SRS should make short work of your inchworm.

[Doc]

Those dimensions aren’t odd at all, Jack. AN’s will first take on the shape of the space available to them before they push other matter out of the way and balloon more symmetrically. It almost sounds like the void where the earlier tumor used to live never completely back-filled and the regrowth made itself at home there.

Take Care

Doc

[Patti]

thanks for your responses.  i will write soon after the procedure!

[Patti]

So I had SRS on November 6th.  It has been three weeks and I feel fine.  The procedure was fine.  I have a follow-up appointment on December 7th when I will ask lots of questions.  I have had no communications pre and post op.  I don't even know if the size changed in the most recent MRI (in August it was 2.8 cm x .6cm).  The only information I got was when after the radiation, one of the doctors said that the volume of radiation was exactly .99 cubic cm.  I can't figure out why? Any ideas? 

[snowbaby]

Patti -I am excited to read your experience with radio surgery.  I posted on here back in 2012 when first diagnosed and had surgery to remove most of a facial nerve neuroma...found out recently it has returned and am interested in pursuing cyberknife for treatment.  It is encouraging and calming to come back on and read about others experiences!  I'm hoping to get mine done before the end of the year.  Hopefully I will have a good outcome!  Here's to your continued success post surgery!

[Patti]

I will go for my 4 week follow up on monday.  i will report back.  i have no side effects yet, but i read of so many people having side effects at the 6 month mark.  that is one of the questions i have-how common are side effects later?  anybody want to suggest other questions for me?

[PaulW]

From my observations most side effects from radiation appear to be caused by nerves getting upset. People with no hearing, or no balance nerve remaining tend to have less problems.
As your hearing and balance are already gone on one side it could well be that you will get very few issues

[Patti]

Thanks Paul! That is reassuring!  What about headaches?  Patti

[PaulW]

I don't think radiation causes a lot of issues with headaches... Mild maybe...
Although if you are getting severe headaches it can be a rare complication hydrocephalus.

[Patti]

My headaches are not severe at all!  They were with the first tumor.  I thought I was getting frequent stomach viruses (I was a teacher-germs!) because I would wake up with severe head pain and vomiting.  Now my headaches are milder.  I do get shocks of head pain and sometimes those shocks come from behind the eye.  That, among other things, is actually what sent me for a follow-up MRI in August.

[Patti]

just got back from a crazy drive to NYC (i put the wrong address in the GPS).  Went to Montefiore. They sent in a PA to see me but it was clear i had too many questions so she finally got the doctor.  He answered all my questions. the tumor size was 3.1 x .86cm. He feels that since i have already had a surgery that i have less chance to feel the swelling tumor in the next few months. Next MRI is is February.