Hi, I want to come here and share my story with everyone.
First please pardon any grammar errors below as English is a 2nd language.
Yesterday I got confirmation from my radiosurgeon that indeed my FSR (Nov 2005) had failed. I've posted on the Radiaton board before about Swelling vs. Growth. Well in my case it was Growth indeed. Even the Necrosis from the previous scan had grown back solid. My AN is now 2.1 from the 1.4 pre FSR. My symptom is facial spasms and I lost pretty much all usable hearing on the right side. I had an idea that was going to happen as my symptom kept getting worse and I had already started talking to forum members and AN surgeons before hearing the news from him.
So -
I talked to Dr. Wiet (I'm 2 miles from the hospital) from ChicagoEar last week. I liked him alot and actually tentatively scheduled the translab for 6/27. (Another member here, Ellen is scheduled to getting hers done the next day in the same hospital so we can actually meet up
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
) I later found out he's actually the current co-chairman of the ANA medical board. He's so interested in my case, he asked my permission to present it at the symposium in Spain next week and also in July (Philly?) because he's going to speak at both. (-- so those of you going to Philly, you might get to see my scan! -- ) Dr. Wiet has done 900+ AN with 15 or so post radiation.
Mailed my CD to House and Dr. House called me the day before yesterday. He said the same thing - Translab and BAHA if I want it right away. I'm waiting for more information on the different surgical teams from House. In Crystal's story her team @ House had done 450 AN and 15 post radiation at the time.
Next I also schedule an appointment to see Dr. Leonetti @ Loyola, he's done 1000+. I want to hear what he has to say.
Unless something changes drastically I think I'm going to get the AN out locally (Chicago Area) since both surgeons are very experienced and I have a 3 yr-old who's not fully potty trained so staying local logistically makes it easier for my family member as well.
Okay - Just wanted to come here and share my information with everyone. I still don't regret getting the FSR it was the best approach at the time. Too bad it didn't work out but now I have an oppurtunity to really get it out of my head and move on with my life (have another baby, maybe!) . I love this forum! I don't post much but thanks everyone for all the information and encouragement. And especially I really appreciate the few of you I have contacted and since provided much valuable information to me!
I'll keep everyone updated. Thanks!
p.s. Seems quite a few failed FSRs are associated with Hemifacial spasm symptoms. Very curious.