Gloriann:
Congratulations on a successful surgery and an AN-free 5 years.
The reality is that every AN 'case' (patient) is slightly different, often in multiple ways. Acoustic Neuromas grow at differing speeds in differing directions, making the effects of the tumor a bit (
all together now) different for each patient. Doctors differ, too. Some are fairly casual once they believe they 'got it all' and the patient shows no sign of re-growth - or, as in your case, any possibility of re-growth can be explained away. Some doctors are much more conservative. Mine is. I've had multiple MRI scans over the past two years, all for valid reasons. Following my debulking surgery, I had an MRI to determine the size of the remaining AN. I had another MRI three months later to use as a guide (with an accompanying CT scan) for my planned FSR treatments. I had a follow-up MRI six months later and another six months after that. I have another, semi-annual MRI scheduled for June 30th. This is to 'track' my AN and make sure it's shrinking and dying. My neurosurgeon will likely allow me to go to a schedule of
annual MRI scans if this one looks good. Eventually, I would go on a five-year plan, but, pragmatically, I may not be around quite that long (
but you never know).
In any case, an AN patient being discharged after 5 years is a bit unusual but not unheard of. If this concerns you, either ask your doctor if he'll order an MRI for you once every five years (why not?) or, consider finding another doctor.
Jim
