Hi Tina,
Sorry to hear about your condition. We can understand what you and your family are going through now. My advice to you is research thoroughly into what options are available and which is more suitable for you. It is a difficult choice to make but whatever decision you made subsequently go with it with all your heart. I would like to share with you my experience on the matter.
When I was first diagnosed with the condition - 2cm by 1.8cm AN on my left ear - around April/May 2004, I was shattered and confused. Fortunately, I discovered this site as well as other related sites. With the information accumulated I finally got down to discuss my options with my doctors.
The ENT specialist was more inclined towards surgery. He appeared confident and knowledgeable and was able to respond to my queries and concerns. Before seeing him I had also received feedback that he was a well known ENT surgeon. I was comfortable with him and in fact decided there and then to opt for surgery. Nonetheless, the ENT specialist fixed an appointment for me to consult a neurosurgeon.
About 2 weeks later, I saw the neurosurgeon together with my wife. He told us that he would be involved in the treatment regardless of my choice (surgery or radiosurgery). He then explained the pros and cons of both surgery and radiosurgery to us. As we were undecided, he advised us to take some time to deliberate. We then left and told him we would get back to him on the same day.
My wife and I went to a cafe and discussed the options. I told my wife that I was more inclined to opt for surgery taking into account that I was of good health and relatively young (48). My wife on the other hand pointed out to me that it was a major operation (cutting open the head) and she was not comfortable with the risks involved. She wanted me to opt for radiosurgery. After much deliberation and some telephone calls made to close friends we went back to the neurosurgeon.
I told the neurosurgeon that I needed him to respond honestly to one last question before I let him know my decision. I then asked him if he were me (given the same age, health, background etc) which option would he have chosen. After pausing for a while he replied that he would only opt for surgery if he knew for a fact that the surgeon was sufficiently competent. Otherwise he would opt for radiosurgery.
I finally told him that I was opting for radiosurgery. When I made that decision I told myself regardless of the outcome I would have to live with it. I have to look forward.
My gamma knife treatment was done in June 2004. I suffered from pains in the head as well as severe vommitting for a few days. Less than 2 weeks later I was back at work. I was fortunate in that I did not have any serious complications ie no dizziness, balance problem etc. My hearing loss was the same pre and post treatment.
In June 2005 I had my first MRI scan and no further growth was detected. My next scan is in June 2006 and I am still keeping my fingers crossed. Presently, my condition is being monitored by an ENT specialist, neurosurgeon and radiologist.
Once again, Tina go with your choice with all your heart after your research, consultations, discussions etc. There is no right or wrong answer here. We are with you all the way.
All the best and please keep us posted of your progress.
Chuan from Singapore
