update on someone not in forum

[tenai98]

A lady contacted me and informed me of her hubby's AN...I suggested she join this group.  But Gary's AN was 1.7cm and nine months later it was 2.5cm...so he was operated on yesterday in Ottawa, Ontario.  The surgery took 8.5 hrs and encountered some problems...When the surgeons tried to remove all of the tumor, the bleeding started...so they got that under control and left some tumor tissue in.  So he will have to have radiation as well....A little drooping on AN side of face...Pain under control...

Stay tuned as the info comes in I'll post

Jo

[Tisha]

That is why I'm so afraid to wait 6 months in a watch and wait mode.  Mine is 1.7cm at it's length (ice cream cone shaped), 1.0cm in the ball part.  I'm tempted to ask if they will do another MRI at 3 months.  I know that the fast growing ones are not the norm, but that's little consulation when you are the minority.

Has anybody out there received a MRI prior to the 6 month wait and did you have to pay for it out of pocket.  I doubt the insurance companies will be refuse to pay for another one so quickly.

Tisha

[Omaschwannoma]

IMO I think a 3 month wait and see if you show signs or increase in symptoms would tell you if you need one at 3 months.  Relax until then, or rather, TRY to relax. 

[lori67]

Thanks Jo.  Please let Gary and his wife know we're thinking of them and hoping for the best.

Lori

[leapyrtwins]

Jo -

thanks for the info on Gary; I'll keep him in my prayers.

Please encourage him to join our little group when he's further along in his recovery.  I think it would be helpful for him; I know that depression has a tendency to set in somewhere along most of our AN journeys and post op seems to be a key time.  The forum might also be a good resource for his wife; the new caretaker section might especially interest her.

Tisha -

as you say, rapid growth of ANs is not the norm - so try to focus on that fact and keep the odds of yours growing rapidly in perspective.

If you are worried about waiting 6 months for your next MRI, you might want to check with your insurance company to see if they'd cover one in 3 months.  You should also check with your doctor for his thoughts on that since he'd have to order the MRI and also explain to the insurance company why he feels you need one that soon.

Jan

[jazzfunkanne]

best wishes to Gary, is it true they scan you after the op for bleeds?

[wendysig]

Jo
Please let Gary and his wife know they are in our prayers.  Hope you'll continue to update us on how he is doing.

Sending healing vibes,
Wendy