Kabby ~
Well, denial is the common initial reaction to an AN diagnosis but of course, at some point, we have to move past that stage and deal with the fact that we have a benign tumor in our head that has to be addressed in some way. I can empathize with that feeling of unreality you're experiencing, too. In my case, I received my diagnosis and had surgery scheduled for barely 10 days later! This was the result of a 45-minute consult with a neurosurgeon that had decades of experience removing ANs. Once he saw the size of my tumor (almost 5 cm) and how hard it was pressing on my brainstem, he wasted no time in setting up a plan of 'attack', assembling a surgical team (some from out-of-state) and scheduling an operating room. Due to pre-op complications, the surgery was pushed back another week, but still, there wasn't much time for denial. On hindsight, I think this was a good thing. I tend to procrastinate. That wasn't an option, once I saw the neurosurgeon. I was 63 at the time of my diagnosis and in good physical health. My age was never mentioned, pro or con. My parents are deceased so that wasn't an issue for me. I have one sister, 5 years younger, who is a widow (her husband died of brain cancer) and lives a few states away. She was called and spent a good deal of time on the phone with my wife, as they shared the experience. However, telling relatives and friends is always a bit of a burden. It depends on a lot of factors. I announced my upcoming surgery in church, where most of my friends are, and received an outpouring of sympathy and offers of assistance. My minister and 4 church Elders were with me as I was wheeled into surgery early in the morning of June 7th, 2006. I know that many prayers were said for me and I'm grateful for all of them. I believe they made a difference.
That you're comfortable with your doctor is a very important factor. No one wants surgery, much less, AN surgery. However, this surgery is necessary. I think you'll do just fine.
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Let us know your surgery date, when you have one, and put it on the 'AN Treatment Calendar'
http://my.calendars.net/AN_Treatments or ask, and a moderator can do it for you.
Jim