ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: kathycurran on January 22, 2013, 10:39:53 am
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In 2009 I was diagnosed with a 3.5 centimeter tumor, after months of telling Dr.'s something was wrong and hearing how healthy I was. I had a trans lab followed by 5 weeks of radiation. I still have a few balance issues and a small amount of facial paralysis, as well as eye issues and deafness in the left ear. I have worked diligently to get my life back to as normal as possible. I had my annual MRI in December and it appears that the tumor may be regenerating. I go back for a recheck in June to see if it is or if it was just swelling. I am trying to be pro-active and determine what my options may be if it is growing. Has anyone experienced this? If so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to remain, active physically, mentally and spiritually, but this has been a kick in the pants.
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Hi Kathy and welcome to this forum .....
So glad you posted your situation to get some feedback from others in similar situations.
Although I did not have the same situation you did, I did experience regrowth of my AN after my first surgery, which was retrosigmoid approach and no radiation following it. In my case, radiation is not a good option for treatment because of exposure to high dose radiation in my early teen years. Therefore, I had a second surgery in May, 2011 (via translab approach) 3 1/2 years after the original surgery. As of my most recent MRI (November, 2012), a smidgen of something is still being watched. I pray it does not grow again or I will be faced with yet another treatment decision.
I pray that your tumor is not growing. Sometimes it can appear to grow/change when it is just a difference in MRI machines and/or different radiologists measuring. The margin of error is 1-2mm so that needs to be factored in, as well.
Let us know how you are doing.
Clarice
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I'm sorry to hear about a possible regrowth. I'll hope you receive good news with your next MRI. My 6 month MRI since having surgery is scheduled for the middle of February. I'm also interested in reading the responses you receive from others.
Clarice, you are a wonderful person. :)
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I had a regrowth, found 7 years post-op from translab, becuase I had already lost all possible the first time around I went on watch and wait for a few years and then had it removed surgically as was continuing to grow (it didn't have to come out yet but I wanted it out)
Kathleen
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Thank you for the responses. The thought of another surgery is upsetting to say the least. I appreciate hearing that some of you have had a second surgery and came out the other side. I will keep you updated when I know something more. One Dr. said it could possibly be scar tissue, never have wanted scar tissue more.
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I am just 3 years post surgery BUT, when the doctor went to removed my tumor. There was also a 2nd one already growing. He got them both and I have been blessed since then. I will tell you in the past, while waitting to see the doctor I have met some people those tumors have come back and they- like you had to have them surgically removed. And they all had good results. keep positive and I feel sure everything will be just fine.