Hi, Lisa:
As Jan mentioned, I had a positive surgical outcome and I'll be glad to share that with you.
I was 63 and had a 4.5 cm AN when it was discovered via an MRI test. My symptoms were rather severe, as you would expect. Serious equilibrium problems, loss of the sense of taste (everything tasted like cardboard), Single Sided Deafness and acute fatigue. The neurosurgeon I ended up hiring advised using a two step process to preserve the facial nerve. He basically 'hollowed out' the tumor...it's usually termed 'debulking'. This reduces the size of the AN so that it can be radiated. My neurosurgeon reduced my AN from 4.5 cm to about 2.5 cm. I had a very successful surgical experience. I had no facial paralysis and was driving again two weeks later.
As planned, three months following my surgery I had FSR (
Fractionated
Stereotactic
Radiotherapy) that was carefully 'plotted' by my neurosurgeon and a radiation oncologist he worked with on my case. It is relatively small doses (5 gy daily) of precisely-aimed radiation that is supposed to kill the DNA of the remaining AN. These 'treatments' were about 20-25 minutes each. One per day, five days per week for 5 weeks (and one day). I did not experience nausea - orany other problems, as long as you don't count boredom. My last MRI (In December '07) showed tumor shrinkage and signs of necrosis (cell death). Both doctor and patient are quite pleased. I have another MRI scheduled for next month and I expect another encouraging report.
As I mentioned, I had no real problems following my AN surgery. Oh, my left eye gets a little 'dry' if I'm tired but a few OTC eye drops (or going to bed) fixes that. I have a tiny 'numb' spot on the side of my tongue but it doesn't bother me. Food tastes perfectly normal. I think the left side of my face (the 'AN side') is perhaps 5% less sensitive than my right but, again, this is inconsequential. Shaving isn't a problem. Considering the size of my AN, I had a stunningly good outcome to both my
retrosigmoid approach surgery as well as the follow-up radiation. Of course, I'm still deaf in one ear, as I was prior to the surgery, but that was expected.
As this thread demonstrates, Lisa,
many AN surgical and/or radiation patients have good outcomes. A lot depends on the skill and 'AN experience' of the doctors treating you, as well as the size and exact location of the AN. Your overall health and attitude are also mitigating factors, as with any surgical procedure. I was not young but in good overall health and had a positive attitude as well as a solid support system going in. I believe these are crucial. However, as we so often say around here: everyone is different. No AN case (patient) is exactly alike. The good outcomes of others cannot guarantee a good outcome for you, whether you choose surgery or radiation. Still, I think you need to realize that having a successful surgical outcome is not a fluke but quite possible. I'm living proof of that.
You also must remember that AN support groups and even message boards often are venting places for those with post-surgical (or radiation) problems. Those folks
need to vent. They have every right to do so. Here, we offer them empathy and as much support as we can. The unfortunate reality is that these occasionally poignant accounts can frighten a newly-diagnosed AN patient into assuming surgery (or radiation) means facial paralysis or other distressing after-effects. Please understand that this would be a misunderstanding of the reality. A vast majority of our members have good or at least acceptable outcomes. Also remember that most post-op issues do resolve, in time.
Lisa, don't be hasty or allow fear to cloud your decision-making. Have as many surgical consults as you feel you need and be sure to post any other questions you may have (not specifically medical...we're not doctors). We stand ready to support and advise you as you may need - or ask. Your AN is relatively small so you do have the luxury of time. Use it well. That said, I wish you all the best as you continue this 'journey to wellness' we're all on. I think you're going to do just fine.
Jim
