A newb with millions of questions

[Crazycat]

Janet,

    That's an inspiring story! I remember How tough it was getting for me to carry on before and just after treatment.
  I think Rebar is in a very good position doing CAD work from home. It will be so much easier for him to get back in the game.



   Paul

[RamAir]

Not sure why you are so determined to have surgery...but to each his own.

I had a 3cm AN.  It was treated with LINAC (radiosurgery).  Other than a mild fever for two weeks during the 5 treatments, I never had any issues.  Never missed a day of work...I even played roller hockey the whole time.

I'm now 6 years post-op, and have not looked back.  I have no issues at all...have not even lost my hearing.  Not sure if I'm one of the rare cases, but for me, radiosurgery worked.

I continue to have periodic MRI's, but the tumor is "dead" ...no growth or change.

[Crazycat]

RamAir,

   Where did you have that procedure done? I was led to believe that anything over the 2cm mark meant surgery. That's really great that you got through it that way!!

     Did you have any hearing loss before treatment? What were your symptoms?

   Please respond....your case is unique!


Thanks.......Paul

[Crazycat]

RamAir, I checked the previous posts you've made, starting back in 2005. really interesting story! You should repost it again for others to see!

Paul

[RamAir]

Paul,

My doctor, Doctor G.L., was out of Staten Island University Hospital.  Unfortunately due to greed and lawyers, his name was dragged through the mud for awhile.  He's now at Cabrini(sp?) in Manhattan.

I had slight hearting loss and mild balance problems.  But being young and stupid, I chalked them up to hard living ikn college ( )

I know, 7 years ago, 3cm was considered large for radiosurgery, but by no means too large.  I believe doctors today are routinely treating tumors 4cm with great success. 

Here's my reasoning...let's say you have a 5cm tumor.  If there is no immediate threat, GK/LINAC may not be able to destroy all of it, but with luck it should shrink alot.  If a follow-up treatment is necessary, you can still have surgery or get further radiosurgery.  However, if you damage nerves during surgery, you can't "fix" them later.  A reduction in size is ultimatley the short term goal.  Long term...you're looking for a complete cessation in growth.  A "failed" first attempt at radiosurgery does not change your ultimate outcome.  It just means more work is required.  As technology progresses, so should the success rate.  If getting GK/LINAC reduces the size by 90%, it may give you another 10 years before a follow-up is necessary.  In that time...something better may come along.

[Jim Scott]

Rebarman:

My AN was 4.5 cm and, at 63, I'm probably older than you.  I only mention this for context.  As my signature shows, I had microsurgery in June to 'de-bulk' my large tumor, was hospitalized for 4 days, released on the 5th day- and was posting messages on this board a day after I got home from the hospital.  I'm retired so returning to work was not an issue, but after about 10 days of post-op fatigue, I felt good - was wallking daily -and, at 4 weeks post-op, my neurosurgeon gave me permission to drive.  I underwent 26 sessions of LINAC fractionalized radiation 3 months after my surgery and did fine.  Now, 5 months after my surgery, I feel good, look good and have few 'issues' that have not already resolved themselves.  Both my neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist are delighted with my recuperation.  So am I. 

Yes, we're all different and I certainly can't guarantee that you or anyone else will have the exact same recovery experience I've enjoyed.  I hope you do.  I wish every AN patient could.  I only offer you my positive accopunt as a reference...and I wish you well.


Jim[/color]

[rebarman]

Thanks, everyone. I'm still in the "waiting on insurance pre-approval" mode. I have an appointment this Friday with the Dr's from Emory, and hope to have all the information and insurance approval by then. If all goes as planned, will have the operation as soon as their schedules allow. Winter is a slower time for the construction industry anyway, so with a little planning and a lot of luck, I will be back on my feet (or at least have my butt in the chair) and able to work when the spring ground breaking occurs.  :-)

Again, I really appreciate all the info and words you all have offered.

[Obita]

Good luck rebarman.  Let us know how your appt. goes.

Kathy

[Sam Rush]

I was back at work as a medical doctor in 2 weels w/ no problem.

[Crazycat]

Sam,

        What kind of medicine do you practice? GP? Specialist? etc......

   Paul