Do miracles really happen?

[phx]

I was just wondering if these tumors can shrink? That's what I asked one of the doctors and he told me to pray for a miracle. When he said that, I kind of figured the answer was a "no", but still, I wonder. Has anyone heard of an AN shrinking? I was looking online and I read about being diagnosed wrong. Just curious.

[jaylogs]

If you mean shrinking without any kind of radiation...in my short time I've been introduced to the AN world I haven't heard of such things...maybe they stop growing on their own, but I think in time they continue to grow.  I am sure there's going to be a lot more inputs on this subject...would be interesting to hear if such things have occured...
Jay

[Tumbleweed]

In the research I did  leading up to my treatment, I stumbled upon a couple well-documented (by doctors/respected medical facilities) cases in which "spontaneous disappearance" of an AN occurred. However, the impression I had was that these dramatic cases were extremely isolated, probably on the order of less than one in every ten thousand. The doctors were totally mystified as to the cause of the tumor disappearing. Sorry to say, I wouldn't count on it happening for you. It seems to be as random of an event as getting an AN in the first place.

On the other hand, a few people have reported their tumor shrinking by a very small amount, often only to grow back in size later on, or possibly fluctuate back and forth in size. I suspect some of these reports are simply the result of the margin of error (2 mm) inherent in MRIs, while others are simply the result of different radiologists interpreting subsequent MRIs differently.

Usually, ANs either stay the same size or grow very slowly (1 to 2 mm per year on average). Some go through unexplained growth spurts. The best you can rationally hope for, without treatment, is that it stays the same size for many years to come.

Best wishes,
TW

[leapyrtwins]

While I believe that miracles can and do happen, ANs shrinking or going away on their own is wishful thinking.  Hope that doesn't sound too harsh, but I'm a realist.

ANs that don't get treated can eventually grow to the point where they can be fatal, so it's important to have them treated before they get too large.

It's common to be scared and nervous about AN surgery, but you WILL get through it.  You'll find you are stronger than you realize and even though the first few days post op are typically rough things will get better each and every day.

I sent you a PM a few days ago.  Did you read it?

Jan

[lori67]

I've never heard of one just shrinking away on it's own, but I know they can stop growing for no apparent reason.  That's what happened to my dad.  He had no treatment at all, and it just got to a certain point and stopped growing.  I don't think this is common either.

No reason not to hope for a miracle, but probably best to be realistic and accept that the statistics don't really support that happening.

The silver lining in the cloud here:  it's benign, slow-growing and we're all living proof that you can make it through to post-treatment relatively unscathed and perfectly happy.  If I had to choose which medical condition to have out of the millions of others out there, I'd pick this one.  Well, maybe I'd take the common cold first, but, you get the point.   

Lori

[Mickey]

As a Wait and Watcher for the past few years who AN has remained stable, while very rare it has occured. There is an example on the W+W boards here named Derek whos tumor has decreased considerably on its own. I`m doing everthing possible for my health and copying what ever Derek is doing with hope that mine will stay at least stable. So far so good! Best wishes, Mickey P.S. I also have talked to a few AN`ers who are well into there older years now who never had intervention.

[Jim Scott]

Pat ~

To answer your question: "do miracles happen?" I would say "yes" but as others have cautioned, please don't allow your wishes to be confused with reality.  ANs can shrink spontaneously but that is a definite long shot and simply not something you can put your trust in.  As Jan cautioned, these tumors are in a problematic location and must be addressed, not left to grow and do serious damage (possibly death). I believe in prayer and of course miracles can and do happen but in the meantime, please move forward with the expectation that you'll have the AN surgery as scheduled and that your outcome will be good.  Also know that many people you've never actually met (in person) will be praying for you.

Jim