Waiting for surgery but unsure

[FlyersFan68]

Thanks Phyl,
   I only skimmed through the threads becuase I just got home from work and was tired. I understand what you're saying but my initial concern was with Bruce. He stated that it was simply Not True that surgery was more difficult following radiation. Look Back! In your thread Dr. Spunberg mentioned that it is more difficult and all the sites I've read months ago also stated surgery to be more difficult because it's much harder to locate and seperate the nerves from the scar tissue. We have to provide our new members with the facts, that's all.   

[ppearl214]

Hey Tired Steve,

Exactly!   That is why I posted Dr. Spunberg's post... as I am in agreement that surgery, post-radio treatment, can be very chancey.   Nothing more. 

Hang in there!
Phyl

[kkweiher]

Steve and Phyl,

I appreciate your imput.  I have seen 2 ENT's and 1 Neurologist since my last post and they all told me the same things.  I could look at radiosurgery but with the size of my tumor there was a higher probability that I may still need surgery.  I have, with the help of this site decided that I want to go the surgery route.  I am planning on the 2nd or 3rd week in March.  I ready to GET IT OUT!!!!!!  I hope everyone has a nice Valentine's Day.     kkweiher

[kkweiher]

I've seen the ENT again and the neurologist.....It's scheduled.......March 16th.  It's a good thing too because I think I am becoming some kind of lunatic with all these new simptoms. If stress can make me feel this way its a good thing I decided to just get it out.  My neck is stiff, now I am having some wierd feeling in my right hand (turmor is on the left side) its like part of my hand is going numb and my right upper arm feels extremely heavy..... I truly think I am loosing it.  I feel like some crazy hypocondiac.  Surely this thing in my head could not be causing all these crazy symptoms.   I can't even stand to tell anyone around my for the fear that they will be saying "Oh for heavens sake now what is wrong with you!!!!!!!!"  I can't wait til this is over with, right now I am so frustrated I feel like I could cry and I want to scream!!!!!!!!!!   Thank heavens for this web site, if it were n't for being able to release here I really might go NUTSSSSSSSSSS.
Kimbra

[Shrnwldr]

Also as a suggestion you can send your MRI films to the House Institute in Los Angeles, CA and they are very good at calling you back to consult with you.  Although it does sound you have spoken to a few specialists and have already decided. It is from my understanding free. 
I think everyone here knows a lot and quite frankly research is good, but bottom line once you have researched and discussed it is your decision to make.    I am on board with you Kimbra in that I want the darn bugger out completely totally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Period.  I read and checked out and discussed with everyone and decided this was the best choice for me (also looking at my MRI and seeing that bulge heading towards my brain stem <<<as far as I was concerned looked like it was kissing it) was enough to freeze me!)  I'm not fond of foreign objects growing in my head!!!!!

Good luck and take care.  Keep us posted on your progress. 
Sharon

[IAHeel]

Kimbra,

First of all, we are all here to support and cheer you on. My wife was diagnosed with a 1.9 cm right side AN in October. We researched our options exhaustively and settled on translab with Drs. Friedman and Schwartz at the House Ear Clinic. Susan had a good outcome.

You will find people here who have had good experiences with microsurgery and radiosurgery. You will also find learned physicans who favor one of the two approaches. Both options are reasonable alternatives. In the very best hands, you have a very good chance of success, but there is a risk of complications either way.

Some other folks have suggested that you contact House for another opinion and I endorse that view. They are phenomonal docs and are extremely humane. Some will say they are pro-surgery. We found them to be data-driven and both Friedman and Schwartz have done radiosurgery. They will give you their opinion, based on research, but they both told us repeatedly that both options are reasonable.

So, before you make your final decision, I would give them a shot.

Good luck and we will be thinking of you.

Fred