ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: terisandler on April 05, 2013, 06:02:40 pm

Title: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: terisandler on April 05, 2013, 06:02:40 pm

Hello out there!  I was just diagnosed with an approximate 18 mm mushroom shaped acoustic neuroma.  I just had a consultation re: cyberknife surgery and have an appointment with a surgeon next week.  I am looking for input from others regarding experience with each treatment as well as their decision process.  Thanks much!

Title: Re: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: james e on April 09, 2013, 10:24:41 am

Welcome to the club...good place to be. My decision process was straight forward. I interviewed  several doctors and listened to them. One wanted to do surgery, and one wanted to wait, and one wanted to do radiation. I read all the posts at this site until I feel asleep. Then I read is again, and again, etc. Then, I made a Ben Franklin list, the good vs the not so good. My wife and I discussed all the issues, and I made my decision to have surgery.

My recommendation to you is to take the emotional issues out of your decision process. If you make a list, it will help you to make the correct decision.

I had a translab surgery, and I am SSD. I have a Cochlear BAHA so that helps me a lot. I am still wonky 24/7 3 years post surgery. My life could not be any better. We all have different outcomes and I live my life with zeal. Your life will return to normal sooner than you can expect.

James

Title: Re: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: PamJ on April 13, 2013, 01:44:35 pm

Hi I also had translab surgery and am also SSD and also have a BAHA and am still a bit wobbly on occasions after 2 years surgery so it seems translab follows a similar pattern.  It is a very personal decision and have to take everything into consideration.  I am pleased I had the translab.

Title: Re: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: terisandler on April 13, 2013, 08:30:24 pm

After meeting with the neurotologist I decided to pursue CK.  He agreed with this decision.  Now I am waiting for the scheduler to arrange things.  Looking forward to having this behind me! :D

Not looking forward to the closed MRI!   :(

Title: Re: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: PamJ on April 14, 2013, 12:28:53 pm

I don't like enclosed places so took my favourite CD with me and it took my mind off it I'll sure you'll be fine xx

Title: Re: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: terisandler on April 14, 2013, 03:04:49 pm

I am more claustrophobic than listening to CDs.  I have drugs.  ::)

Title: Re: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: PamJ on April 14, 2013, 03:10:13 pm

Oh sorry that must be awful for you I have heard of a MRI scanner called an 'open scanner' so it just goes round your head a friend of mine was too large to go in a normal scanner

Title: Re: Newly Diagnosed
Post by: terisandler on April 14, 2013, 06:01:31 pm

I always request open MRI but the planning MRI has to be a closed one.