Hi, Kathy:
Like you, I just underwent an MRI...my 6th in a year. Coming just 5 months since the last one, it was encouraging, for the most part. Some swelling, which concerned my esteemed neurosurgeon, but clear signs of necrosis - large dark spots on the tumor. My doctor said that I did much better on my neuro exam ("follow my finger") than in the past, when I didn't do all that poorly, so he is pleased - but, being hyper-conservative and cautious - wants to 'keep an eye' on the size of the remaining tumor, so he scheduled me for another MRI in June. I'm good with that and not especially concerned about it as my AN symptoms have basically disappeared and I feel great. I think I fell asleep during the MRI because it seemed to go by awfully fast! My wife got tired of waiting for me to come out of the MRI area so we could have lunch (we finally did).
I appreciate the fact that anything I've posted has helped you regarding keeping a good attitude when dealing with MRI tests and your AN experience, in general. All the angst and inner turmoil we can develop won't change the test results, one way or the other. I prefer to remain confident and see no reason not to. However, I'm prepared to deal with a regrowth, if that ever occurs. Frankly, I think my tumor is kaput. My neurosurgeon confirmed that it's blood supply was cut off by the 'de-bulking' he performed and the 26 low-dose radiation 'zaps' it received is obviously doing a job on the tumor's DNA, which translates to tumor death. YES!
Stay confident and in control of your life, Kathy. We're all a lot more than just AN patients. A lot more.
Jim
