Hey Travel2ski: I had three surgical consultations(#1 said debulk and translab followed by radiation,#2 said translab only,#3 said retrosigmoid) and then a fourth who was a surgeon who also trained in radio surgery. I was really pleased with the cyber knife experience I had at Stanford. NON invasive, three days of 40 minutes in an open air room with a small laser zapping the bugger. I was shopping after the first treatment, shopping after the second treatment and driving back to my home after the third treatment. Being diagnosed with the AN was hard, getting it treated was the easiest thing I have ever done. Those of us who have had cyber knife treatment are really advocates because we are able to get on with our lifes right away. And with a 98% chance versus the complications associated with surgery- it seemed like a winner for me. My experience is that the industry is very biased to surgery- you really have to seek out the radiation options and go outside the nornal ENT circle. My hearing is still preserved, my throbbing on my left jaw has decreased. I was lucky in that I had no balance issue. #4 said he would go with #3's approach if I had had balance issues... but I lucked out. So anyways, that's my two cents. However, ultimately it's your desicion. Unfortunately, I am on the west coast so can't weigh in on facilities. However, I think an "academic" institution is the way to go. I was impressed with the level of care I got at Stanford- great support staff especially as these are the people you really deal with. Good luck- keep us updated on your progess. Annie
