ANA Discussion Forum
Watch and Wait => For those in the 'watch and wait' status => Topic started by: Vivian B. on September 29, 2009, 11:38:59 am
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Hi Everybody,
I just came back from the Neurosurgeon. He said the tumor is 18mm by 9mm. Since the last MRI was done elsewhere he said he couldn't measure it properly on his computer but he would take it home to verify the exact dimensions in a newer computer program that he has. He said he suspects the same measurements and even if there was a difference in 1 mm, he said that I should wait another 6 months. He specialiizes in gammakniife as well and explained that there would not be any advantage in doing the procedure now as opposed to later as the hearing is going to be lost eventually in any case. By the way the previous dimensions were 1.6 cm by 1.5 cm by 1.9 cm. By my calculations it looks like it remained the same. I don't know if anyone else can figure it out for me. I have to call the Neuro back in a couple of days to confirm. In any case I remain on W & W team. Better get used to it. Overall he was very reassuring and I am pleased with his recommendations.
In the meantime, I made an appt. with the ENT Specialist to get fitted for an ear plug as I am finding it ver unconfortable in noisy areas.
Vivian
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Hi Vivian and thanks for sharing this. sounds like things are in check for now and glad your doc is on top of things (even commenting about the measurements, as well).
"stability" is, in our world, great news and continued wellness wishes from me to you! :)
Phyl
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Hi, Vivian ~
If your previous AN measurements were 1.6 cm x 1.0 cm that would translate to 16mm x 19 mm. The current measurements of 18mm x 9 mm translate to 1.8 cm x .09 cm. The metric system is confusing enough for those of us who were taught and used the U.S. system for our entire lives and when the MRI results are stated as millimeters then centimeters and one has to go back and forth trying to figure out what that translates to, it can get a bit daunting. Well, that's my problem. I'm just pleased to learn that your doctor is confident that you can postpone radiation for another six months and that your Watch-and-Wait status remains intact. May it stay that way - for a long time. :)
Jim
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Hi Jim and Phil,
Thank you very much for all your good wishes. It means a great deal to have the support.
Vivian
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Hi Vivian! Glad to hear your W+W is "stable". Best wishes, your fellow W+W, Mickey
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Hi Mickey,
Thank you. I have to get used to the word "patience" as you need a lot of it in our situation, but I couldn't ask for better news.
Vivian
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Hi Vivian,
Glad to see you have your MRI results with basically no change!
I'm with you, W & W certainly has it moments ??? - but you know you are not alone.
All my best in the coming days, and keep in touch!
Sincerely,
Sue
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Hi Vivian,
congratulations for the good news. It seems that your AN (or meningioma) is completely unchanged from the last MRI. So W&W seems the way to continue - hopefully for a long long time.
Marianna
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Hi Sue and Marianna,
Thank you both for your good wishes. We just keep on going!
Vivian
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Congratulations Vivian
I am a math girl of sorts and would say for certain based on the measurements the tumor certainly hasn't grown. (The numbers suggest it shrank which makes not much sense at all!)
I hope you feel more confident now that you aren't such a newbie anymore. I found great peace once I made it past that 6 month MRI and am now 2 months off my next ENT appointment and 3 months off my next MRI (9 month in between MRIs) but don't seem anywhere near as nervous.
Ann
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Hi Ann,
Thank you. I feel the same. I am definitely not a nervous and focussed as I was before on this issue, of course it is still there, but trying to keep it at the back of my mind until my next MRI which should be sometime in April 2009. Take care.
Vivian