Pre-Treatment Options > Pre-Treatment Options
Newly Diagnosed
rmkelly:
As I read your posts I see some sense of hope. I was diagnosed on Friday April 28, 2018 with a 1 cm AN in my left ear. I am totally shocked. I went diving last December in Hawaii and couldn't clear my ears as I was going down. After I finished I noticed my ear was feeling odd. Finally in early April I went to an ENT. He initially told me I had caught a virus which attached my inner ear which is why I lost my hearing (~35%) He did an MRI as a precaution. When I returned for the follow up the doctor told me I have an AN. Now I'm looking for a surgeon. We live in Indianapolis so I am curious what your experience has been at MAYO.
I am 50, I have two young children and a fabulous husband who is at my side. I don't want this to impact our life too much so any encouragement would be really helpful. I am so scared and have no idea what to expect as I take this journey. Please share your experience at MAYO and how you have coped with AN from an emotional perspective.
Bob53:
I had a successful translabyrinthine surgery done by Dr. Driscoll on 10/5/17 at Mayo Clinic on a 1 cm AN. Very satisfied with the Doctors, Nurses, and Hospital. It was a difficult decision since I could have done Watch & Wait, or radiation. The reason I decided to do surgery is I wanted it out and I wasn't fond of doing the MRI thing for the rest of my life. I'm 65 and have returned to work and do most everything that I did before surgery including lots of bike riding, although I really miss my hearing on the left side. I live in Wisconsin, it was worth the 5.5 hour drive.
I wish you the best in making your decision.
ColleenS:
I am just a couple days shy of my 1 year anniversary for my translab surgery. I wanted to point out to you that retaining your hearing is not a guarantee whether you go radiation or surgery. There are several types of surgery and the translab was the safest for me since my AN was attached to my brain stem. The translab method always takes out your hearing - but I only had 20% left anyway. So there are options - do the research and read all you can on here. I did that for months until I felt pretty educated by the time I went for my surgery. Every case is different but generally speaking you will find SO much useful information here and support.
judyl:
Hi Larue,
My AN is on the left side and also 1.4 cm at first MRI and I am on "watch and wait." I have some hearing loss but no tinnitus. I am scheduled to have another later this month.
PurrfectHappiness:
Hi, Larue210:
I am a 51 year old Newbie (diagnosed 3 mos ago/9x5mm AN left ear).
I find this diagnosis and research process overwhelming, but the ANA and fellow members have been an incredible resource for moral support, comfort, and valuable information.
I have recently had numerous Dr consultations and tests performed to help make the best possible decision in treatment. Initially, my gut reaction was to remove it surgically as soon as possible. However, after extensive research, consultations, and learning about other fellow AN patient’s journies, I have decided to “Watch and Wait”.
I am blessed to have met another local AN patient who is also in “W&W” mode and has been for 12 years now. I realize every individual case is different, but there are a great deal of successful “W&W” cases. I find this very inspiring.
While I’m in “W&W” mode, I have decided to begin daily baby aspirin therapy (after discussing with my primary care Dr). I will include two very enlightening and informative articles in this post for your perusal. Both mention that aspirin therapy may slow and even halt AN growth. :)
As far as symptoms, I am coping with tinnitus, off balanceness, and fatigue. It’s a bit frustrating, but I’m continuing to exercise/stay active and remain positive and strong.
Whatever decision you make, the support in this group is amazing and will certainly assist you in coping with this new journey in your life.
~ Kind Regards to all.
https://www.tinnitusformula.com/library/aspirin-slows-acoustic-neuroma-growth/
https://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/tumors/acoustic_neuroma/treatment.html
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