Options in Texas

[Kaybo]

Hi Liz~
Sorry for the delay in my comments as I have been busy moving.  I was actually moving from Amarillo to Houston but when I was diagnosed with my AN (a LONG time ago when I was 25), I lived in Round Rock.  My Dr. there (who I'm sure is retired now) said that he "always referred his 8th nerve patients to Houston".  At that time, I don't really know of too many people (if any) in Austin doing AN surgery.  I came to the Baylor College of Medicine here in Houston.  My surgeon has moved on but LOTS of people here use Dr. Vrabec.  I actually had an appointment with him a couple of weeks ago about a BAHA and he was very nice.  I don't know if that answers any of your questions, but if I can help you in any way here or if you'd like me to call you, please feel free to PM me!

K   

[Brendalu]

Liz,

My AN was 3.5 cm and was pressing on my brain stem, it was a "sticky" tumor.  I am wait and watch for an NF2, currently.
Brenda

[LizAN]

Thanks, James.  I've had several recommendations for him.  I'd love to hear about your experience.

Liz

I am in Georgetown, and just had my surgery in Houston by Dr Vrabec at Methodist Hospital in March 2010. The best is right here...no need to go to so far from home.

Liz,

My AN was 3.5 cm and was pressing on my brain stem, it was a "sticky" tumor.  I am wait and watch for an NF2, currently.
Brenda

[LizAN]

Oops, I had meant to respond to Brenda's post as well -

That's a large tumor in a bad position.  Dr. Slater said that my tumor is likely to be sticky, given where it is.  I wonder how he can know that, and whether I will hear the same thing from other docs.  Considering your tumor size, type, and location, you certainly have had a fantastic outcome!  Are you expecting to get another tumor because you know you have NF2, or just keeping an eye out for one?

Liz,

My AN was 3.5 cm and was pressing on my brain stem, it was a "sticky" tumor.  I am wait and watch for an NF2, currently.
Brenda

[LizAN]

Wow, yet another recommendation for Vrabec.  I'm getting a pretty clear message, so I'd better at least find out what he has to say!  Thanks, K!

Liz

Hi Liz~
Sorry for the delay in my comments as I have been busy moving.  I was actually moving from Amarillo to Houston but when I was diagnosed with my AN (a LONG time ago when I was 25), I lived in Round Rock.  My Dr. there (who I'm sure is retired now) said that he "always referred his 8th nerve patients to Houston".  At that time, I don't really know of too many people (if any) in Austin doing AN surgery.  I came to the Baylor College of Medicine here in Houston.  My surgeon has moved on but LOTS of people here use Dr. Vrabec.  I actually had an appointment with him a couple of weeks ago about a BAHA and he was very nice.  I don't know if that answers any of your questions, but if I can help you in any way here or if you'd like me to call you, please feel free to PM me!

K   

[texsooner]

Liz, thought I'd better pipe in here that Dr. Joseph Chang is another excellent neurotologist here in Houston. He (along with a neurosurgeon) performed my 11 hour surgery (2+ yrs ago) for my 3.5 cm tumor and I couldn't have been happier with the results. My surgery was done at Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center. Don't think you would go wrong with Dr. Vrabec or Dr. Chang. 

Patrick

[Pooter]

First of all, welcome to the forum.  I'll jump on the Vrabec bandwagon and say that I had surgery with him just over 2 years ago..  He's a super talented guy.  Very soft spoken, but very knowledgeable.  I highly recommend at least talking to him.

Regards,
Brian

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Liz ~

I'm sorry that I have absolutely nothing of substance to augment all the useful information you've already received on this thread.  I just wanted to add my own welcome to the ANA website discussion forums and wish you success as you begin to explore treatment options for your AN.  I'm confident you'll do fine but feel free to ask questions.  Our members have a wealth of practical knowledge related to acoustic neuroma treatments because they've 'been there'. 

Jim

[Brendalu]

Liz,

The second tumor is present, but very, very small.  I also have MS and have had two stroke.  I have severe balance problems, seizures and migraines.  I still consider myself very lucky to still be here enjoying life!  I think they can tell a lot more than we see on those MRI's and someone who has done a lot of them would have many comparisons.
Patrick (Texsooner)and Brian (Pooter)are very remarkable and their recovery is what everyone hopes for! 

Brenda

[rjbarker]

Hi Liz,
Well, it's a small one, you have time to check out things. Preserving hearing will be a major concern for you. Take a look at irsa.org for gamma knife radiation centers and other info re radiation treatments. House Ear is of course one of the best. Maybe look at our NJ ANA chapter website, ananj.org, where I do the newsletter. Our conference Oct 24 is a bit far away for you, altho the topic is certainly timely. Good luck!
d*** Barker

[msmaggie]

Hi Liz,

Vrabec was my dr. too.  He is patient, kind, and knowledgeable.  I can recommend him and Dr. Trask (neurosurgeon...you will need one if you have surgery).  Methodist Hospital was a good place to be.  On the morning of my surgery, I had 8 people plus my pastor escorting me down to surgery.  The nurses just kept making room for one more as each one came into the prep room!

Priscilla

[LizAN]

Thank you, Patrick.  I will look into Dr. Chang.  It's nice to know that I have options!

Liz

Liz, thought I'd better pipe in here that Dr. Joseph Chang is another excellent neurotologist here in Houston. He (along with a neurosurgeon) performed my 11 hour surgery (2+ yrs ago) for my 3.5 cm tumor and I couldn't have been happier with the results. My surgery was done at Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center. Don't think you would go wrong with Dr. Vrabec or Dr. Chang. 

Patrick

[LizAN]

Thanks, Brian,

It was heart warming to read your story.  Thanks for documenting it.

Liz

First of all, welcome to the forum.  I'll jump on the Vrabec bandwagon and say that I had surgery with him just over 2 years ago..  He's a super talented guy.  Very soft spoken, but very knowledgeable.  I highly recommend at least talking to him.

Regards,
Brian

[LizAN]

Thank you, Jim.  Thanks to all of you, for being here.

Liz

Hi, Liz ~

I'm sorry that I have absolutely nothing of substance to augment all the useful information you've already received on this thread.  I just wanted to add my own welcome to the ANA website discussion forums and wish you success as you begin to explore treatment options for your AN.  I'm confident you'll do fine but feel free to ask questions.  Our members have a wealth of practical knowledge related to acoustic neuroma treatments because they've 'been there'. 

Jim

[LizAN]

Brenda,

You have a great attitude - very inspiring.  Sometimes, it is hard for me not to feel sorry for myself, having this on top of numerous other health problems, with which I was already struggling.  Then I remember all the things for which I am grateful.  Doesn't it feel so much better to be happy, despite what life throws at us?  I do believe that each of us has that choice, however little practice we may have had in exercising it prior to the current crisis.

Best wishes, while you watch and wait.  I will be following your posts, for sure!

Liz

Liz,

The second tumor is present, but very, very small.  I also have MS and have had two stroke.  I have severe balance problems, seizures and migraines.  I still consider myself very lucky to still be here enjoying life!  I think they can tell a lot more than we see on those MRI's and someone who has done a lot of them would have many comparisons.
Patrick (Texsooner)and Brian (Pooter)are very remarkable and their recovery is what everyone hopes for! 

Brenda