And first and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone who recommended him to me. He and his staff gave me the most thorough, compassionate, informative medical appointment I have ever had, and they were delighted that I'd contacted the ANA for information. I am very pleased with his attitude and approach, and that of his staff, and the trip to and from Boston was most definitely worth it. So thanks, Phyl and Katie and everyone else! Good recommendation.
As for what Dr. McKenna actually recommended - watch and wait stance for now. The tumor is only 1.6 cm, and he'd like me to have another MRI in March and a third in September to see if the AN is growing. If it isn't, I can get by with an MRI every year until it grows, at which time we decide on further treatment. If it does grow, I'll see about treatment later this year or early next year. I think he's more inclined toward microsurgery for me (my AN is long and sort of oval-shaped, which may mean it's touching more of the nerves) but he said he'd give me referrals to Dr. Barker, his microsurgeon, and Dr. Lefler, the radiation oncologist who does the AN work at Mass General.
I'm still seeing Dr. Mason at Baystate Medical Center next week, but unless he's absolutely dazzling I'm treating with Dr. McKenna. I can have my MRIs done at the same facility that did the first one and have the results sent to Dr. McKenna, and then see him when I need to decide on my next step.
So there it is: watch and wait, at least for the next nine months. I can live with that.
Lisa/Ellid
