Recent Posts

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 10
1
It is definitely true that all surgeons have their preferences.  I do wonder if a few things are getting confused here.  There are two times that bone gets dealt with in these surgeries. 
1. The craniotomy--that the hole they cut in your skull to get to the tumor.
2. the Interior auditory canal (IAC). 
there are different options for how to replace the bone from the craniotomy.  Some use titanium.  My surgeon used an absorbable plate system, so that over 6-9 months the things holding the bone flap in place are absorbed by the body as the bone heals, so now I  have not metal in my head.
The IAC, as I understand it, gets obliterated during surgery. Because it is so small, the just grind it away.  This is where the cement/bone wax comes in.  You seem to have confused the titanium plating to replace the craniotomy bone flap with the bone from the IAC.  I don't think they ever do that.  There may be other products than cement to fill in the IAC after tumor removal. (For me, the harvested some belly fat to put in the IAC, and then covered it all with "bone wax," whatever that is.)

I don't know if I"m making sense, but it does seem in your second point you can the craniotomy and IAC parts combined.

2
Physicians / Re: Seeking advice for finding surgical teams
« Last post by worshippermood on May 07, 2024, 08:00:30 pm »
I had my second MRI and initial consultation at Emory.  They have a good reputation.  I sought out a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic as I highly respect the acoustic neuroma team they have there.  The Mayo Clinic offers a video consultation at no charge -- so it does not hurt to touch base with them.  In my case, the doctors at Mayo completely agreed with what the doctor at Emory told me.  And that gave me a lot of comfort knowing everyone was in harmony.

Best wishes for your daughter as she continues along this journey!
Don
My mother was also treated here. The team of doctors here are extremely dedicated.
3
AN Community / 15 Years later
« Last post by QRM on May 07, 2024, 06:15:15 am »
Hi Everyone,

Just thought I would pop in to say hello with an update, its been 15 years since I had my surgery at the House Clinic. I know many of you are just at the start of this journey and it feels like you are facing a huge tidal wave of the unknown, feeling life will never be the same. Take it from me life has been great since the surgery, this may sound odd but having a medical emergency was one of the best things to happen, while most of my chums are going through some sort of mid life crisis wondering what life is all about, and started to wear tight spandex and getting expensive bicycles. My surgery and subsequent life after, really made me appreciate the fact that I still wake up every morning, that alone is good enough for me.

Sure I am deaf in one ear and in total darkness I get a bit disorientated, avoid going to those dining in the dark restaurants. Otherwise everything is back to normal, can ski, skateboard etc. and the biggest bonus I dont get motion sickness anymore, my golf has improved, I can sleep in noisy hotel rooms (good ear on the pillow) save money on stereo system and can buy single earpieces.

Originally I had issue figuring out where the sound was coming from but somehow the brain has managed to work around that. When the other half starts to nag me, can just ignore her and blame the deafness.
I had tinnitus before the surgery, and was surprised it was still there after all the ear stuff was removed, but after 15 years I don't notice it all.   

So just want to say don't worry things will work out fine. I assume 15 years on the medical field has moved on and there are newer options out there.

If anyone is in Singapore or Malaysia who wants a chat I am always here.

Rick

 
4
Radiation / Radiosurgery / Radiosurgery from a non-expert center
« Last post by drumfest on May 06, 2024, 04:15:28 pm »
Hello,  I'm wondering if anyone out there can reply with successful outcomes at non-expert centers?  I had an appointment with a radiation oncologist at a local hospital & he assured me he can treat my tumor as his team is excellent, but he simply just doesn't see alot of ANs because there just aren't that many that seek treatment where I live. (San Antonio)  He treats many tumors and would do fractionated on my tumor with "The Edge" system.  He also told me he treats many other tumors that are more difficult than mine.  I'd like to go with him because it's the easiest option (insurance wise) and his team does have a reputation for being excellent.  It's just an issue with the lack of patient volume he's treated with ANs & most of my radiosurgery research has been gamma & cyber knife expert centers.  I'm fully aware of the possible caution with having treatment at a non-expert center.  I don't want this to come back and bite me that's why I'm writing as well.

Please reply if desired.  Thanks for reading.  :)
D
5
Hi KNF.  Sorry for your mom.  In this craft, each doctor seems to have his favorite method.  Another way to evaluate this is to determine which teams are the most experienced.  Also you can ask people on this site for their experience with these doctors.  You can also use the search feature on this site and see what comments have come up on their names.  The most important thing is a very experienced team with a great track record.  Best regards.
6
Post-Treatment / Re: Follow Up MRI
« Last post by v357139 on May 05, 2024, 07:41:24 pm »
Think I talked to 8or 10 doctor teams.  :D
7
Pre-Treatment Options / Re: Decision Anxiety
« Last post by v357139 on May 05, 2024, 07:34:46 pm »
Thank you for posting this.  My tumor is now growing and all the experts recommend treatment at this time.  I've done much research too, but it's still very difficult which way to go (radiation or surgery).  They both have their pros and cons.  I've had three ear surgeries on the impacted side and don't wish to go through a fourth and most difficult one.  I like the radiosurgery simplicity, but don't want to have dizziness rear its head in the future if I leave the tumor pressing on the adjacent structures.  I currently have a small amount of dizziness in the am hours typically & it gets better after noon.  Lastly, I'd like to save what's left of my hearing as I'm a professional musician & have been for the past 30+yrs.  Very tough decision!  Anyway, thanks again for posting and if anyone would like to reply, please do.


It's always tough choice.  Might help to ask the radiosurgeon about your specific radiosurgery concerns, and see what his replies are.  I had the same concern about mine pressing on the brainstem.  I asked the radiosurgeon about it and he gave me his answers.  I found evaluating his answer helped me to make my decision.  PM me if you'd like to talk.  Let us know how it goes.
8
Pre-Treatment Options / Re: Decision Anxiety
« Last post by v357139 on May 05, 2024, 07:22:19 pm »
I know how it feels.  Email me if you'd like to talk.
9
Cognitive/Emotional Issues / Re: When anger sneaks up on you!
« Last post by stevehernes on May 03, 2024, 02:55:19 pm »
I think it is a good idea to talk to someone about your feelings
10
Inquiries / Re: AN regrowth after surgery and proton radiation
« Last post by Director on May 03, 2024, 01:46:41 pm »
Hi Michellebelle007,

I'm sorry to read your post about the possibility of another treatment.  The ANA has a regrowth support group that might be helpful for you, and we can also connect you with peer mentors that have experienced regrowth. 

The regrowth group is meeting Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm ET, and you can register here.

https://www.anausa.org/programs/support-groups/upcoming-events


The ANA Team
volunteers@anausa.org
Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 10