MH
Honestly, they are two of my most favorite people in the world...they gave me my way of life back and I feel great! I could gush on and on- or you can contact me direct through e-mail.
Short and sweet, I had retrosigmoid surgery with them both in May 2004 after 4 months of falling over, vomiting, nausea. I was planning on moving to Seattle anyway and when I was finally diagnosed (I was in Sandpoint Idaho) my 2nd opinion ENT said to go see Mangham (in his words..."he's the best"). Being a Ski Racing Coach I didn't feel I had the choice to wait even though my tumor was only 6mm x 8mm...couldn't keep falling! As soon as I met Mangham I knew he was the perfect doc for me...that is key. It's your head, and regardless of who says who is the best it comes down to YOU and who YOU are comfortable with.
They saved my hearing, face and balance nerves. I was back in my whitewater kayak (on the lake) practicing rolls a month later and skied in early November without a hitch. The first day on snow was a little challenging as it was a whiteout and blowing snow in deep powder. I was very fortunate, I had a very quick recovery and again...everyone is different.
My advise...meet the doctors, choose someone with alot of experience whom you are comfortable with and make your decision based all on you. That could mean surgery, watch/wait, GK- be confident and go with what your body tells you...trying not to compare yourself to others.
I live in the Seattle area and if I can be of any help please feel free to contact me. Best of luck with your path.
Cheers,
Rory