ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: jb on December 10, 2007, 09:28:24 pm
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Just had a new MRI today so I thought I would try posting some pics. The first one is a before and after comparing my March 07 scan to today's result. I switched MRI labs so there is some difference in brightness. The scale doesn't match exactly but it's not bad. Tried to find the closest matching slices I could.
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh53/jrm5c/pre_post_rad.jpg)
Here's another angle of today's scan:
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh53/jrm5c/backview_post_rad.jpg)
I am thrilled to see all the darkening in the center, but a little shocked to see how much it has swelled. When I used the measurement tool in the viewing software it looks to have expanded 10-25% in all directions. By my calculations that comes out to a 70+ % increase in volume! I will discuss with the doctor next week, but I sure hope the swelling phase is over.
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Nice! It sure does look like a nuked AN in the after picture. I wonder if it really swelled that much? Maybe it grew more between March and August? Or something about the MRI makes it look bigger? Anyway, it looks like a great result to me.
Steve.
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I guess it probably did grow some between March and August too. It was just kind of a surprise to see the size of it now. It looks quite a bit bigger compared to the other "landmarks" in the image, so I feel like the measurements aren't too far off. I emailed images to my oncologist at Georgetown and he says it's a "good response" and expects eventual shrinkage. Can't come soon enough for me!
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GREAT to hear the good news. I'm happy that sucker show its dying off. What a great X-mas present. I'm very happy for you!!!!! ;D
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Swelling is normal after a radiation treatment....the good news is the darkening in the center of your tumor. CONGRATS!!!
Gary
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I'm so relieved to hear that you are doing well and the CK worked. Congrats and Merry Christmas!!
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Thanks guys! I just followed up with my local neuro yesterday. He basically thinks it looks good too, just a little concerned about the size now and wants to recheck with another MRI in 3 months. I've been feeling a little better for the last couple of weeks so I'm hoping maybe the worst is over. It even seems like my hearing is improving ever so slightly. Not back to where it was pre-CK, but I'm a little more optimistic now. Who knows with these things though? Just have to wait and see.
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JB, the films look right on target! :)
To be at the 4-month post-CK mark and to have these kinds of results (thus far), great news! We do know that for many that have had any form of radiosurgery/radiation, from this time period up to approx 9-12 mos (give or take as individual results may vary), things (ie: side affects) can crop up, so hang tough, continued wishes for wellness and let's see what the MRI shows in 3 mos. I can share with you, based on my situation.... I'm over 1-1/2 yrs post CK (my AN was 1cm at time of treatment) and like you note, the hearing improved (I'm now back to 100% of what it was at time of treatment, with over 85% serviceable hearing in my AN ear) and the side affects have subsided. My hope is that you follow that same path for wellness. :)
Congrats!
Phyl
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Phyl, thanks for the pep talk. :)
You and other CK-ers that have posted their experiences on this forum were a big factor in my ultimate decision to go with CK. So far, so good. I'm much improved now over November and early December. I still have ear throbbing/head pounding occasionally, but it's getting less frequent and less intense with time. I'm a little disappointed to have had some hearing loss post-CK, but I was forewarned by my doctors that my odds for hearing preservation were a bit worse because I'd had episodes of sudden hearing loss before treatment. I attribute it more to having the 2 cm AN in the first place than the treatment itself.
All in all, I feel very fortunate to be where I am at this stage. It took eight years to get the right diagnosis, but things seem to be on the fast track now. I hope things continue on this path and that we all have a healthier 2008.
Thanks for all you do here! :)
JB
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glad to see your mri looks really positive jb :) Very cool!
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This is the first time I've seen these pictures and all I can say is WOW. JB we will all be waiting to hear back from you after the next MRI. I have a question for all of you if you don't mind. After your first MRI did you lay down at night and have the glowing orb (as I called it) ingrained into your memory. I found that those images of my son still haunt me to this day. The neurosurgeon called the tumor the "Harry Potter looking dude". My son called it my "evil twin". Now he tells everyone that he always wanted a little brother. Which brings up another question did you name your tumor? ;D 16
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Sweet pics- JB! you know you are an AN nerd/nerdette when you can discuss MRI films the way you discuss wine or sports! Congratulations, Annie