Anticipating surgery, tumor still growing after CK

[mellowrama]

Hello all, its been a while since I've been here.  I was hoping that my ck procedure worked, but evidently not as the tumor is now 2.5 cm.  My doctor has contacted me about having surgery in 6 months via Barrow Institute.  I'm assuming it will be retrosigmoid surgery....my question is should I get a second opinion, (not for if surgery, but where).  I think my Docs are good there, but I don't want to not consider all options, and would like to know the latest in technology is being used with minimally invasive techniques.  Anyone know of Dr Jhos?  Thinking about house and john hopkins.  My hearing is still perfect, more concerned with facial nerve,etc.  It will be a journey wherever I go via New Mexico...
thanks for feedback, mel

[HeadCase2]

Hi mellowrama,
  To me, 25 mm vs. 22 mm is pretty close to the margin of variation between MRIs.  There can be some variation between measured MRI dimensions due to where the slices cross the AN-- right through the center vs. not right through the center of the AN.  Has the AN been shown to be growing on several successive MRIs?  Obviously, I'm not a doctor, or an expert.  And you and your doctor know what's best for you.  I would be tempted to watch and wait a bit longer to see if it's really demonstrating growth over time.
Regards,
  Rob

[mellowrama]

Hi Rob,  yes, it was only 1-2mm in december and now a total of 3mm since then, in all 3 directions.
 
I had ck in sept 2006, and I guess it didn't work.  The plan my doc is making is that I come in anticpating that if its still growing in December/January for sugery...they would do a "wand" mri to see if its still growing, and if so within a week use the mri during surgery.

[ppearl214]

mellow!     

My heart sank when I saw this post.. and I have to agree with Rob on this one.. it is SO darn close to the head MRI total margin of error of approx +/-2mm.  I know Daspit is a great doc and have total faith in BNI.....  maybe have Medbery take a look at the films (he will do it as well, without crunching toes at BNI).  If you have past CD's of your MRI's.. and the latest, all burned on CD... you may want to send to him for a "2nd opinion". May be worth a thought. I have emailed him images of my MRI's for him to look and he had no issue in doing so..... just a suggestion.

I hate the reason why you did this post... it truly sunk my heart as you had your CK right after me... but I'm so glad to see you. You have been missed.

Phyl

[mellowrama]

thanks Phyl, Dr. Medberry in OKC?  Yes, I thought I'd send around for a second opionion.  I'm also a bit concerned about any issues of removing the tumor after radiation....
m

[ppearl214]

thanks Phyl, Dr. Medberry in OKC?  Yes, I thought I'd send around for a second opionion.  I'm also a bit concerned about any issues of removing the tumor after radiation....
m

yeppers, that be the man.... his email and street address noted in his posts and I know he's always glad to help out with a film read, if asked...... I have heard both ways on post-radiation surgical removal..... it really depends on factors and I'd have the films reviewed first before anything... a 2nd opinion... then move on from there... just my 2 cents.

Hang in there. I'll be watching but still sending the hugglez

Phyl