ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: heusch on May 13, 2009, 03:07:56 pm

Title: Met with surgeon
Post by: heusch on May 13, 2009, 03:07:56 pm

Went to Miami today met with Dr. Telischi 3cm AN he is suggesting surgery my symptoms are balance ,some left side weakness tired. I want to thank all the people who emailed me.
Just stunned at this point he suggest it be done in next 6 months.
Seems like at this point I have no choice I am 67 years old waiting to talk to neuro  guy Telischi suggest do the operation behind the ear since the right side hearing is still pretty good.

Thanks Bob 

Title: Re: Met with surgeon
Post by: EJTampa on May 13, 2009, 04:59:01 pm

Hi Bob,
 
I would say that 67 is no longer considered old, so I bet you will come through just fine.  My dad had open heart surgery in his 70s and came through just fine.
 
I don't know anything about Dr. Telischi, but as long as he has a lot of experience with AN's, you should be fine.  My surgery was done by Dr. Bartels in Tampa and I had a great outcome.  Of course, everyone's tumor is different, and as they say, your mileage may vary.
 
If you have any questions regarding Dr. Bartels, feel free to PM or email me.
 
Ernie

Title: Re: Met with surgeon
Post by: Vivian B. on May 13, 2009, 05:51:00 pm

Hi Bob,

There is no such thing as age anymore. People of all ages are having all sorts of conditions and all sorts of treatment. You will do fine.
These surgeons know their stuff. Good luck!

Vivian

Title: Re: Met with surgeon
Post by: Kathy M on May 13, 2009, 06:20:57 pm

Hi Bob,

I remember being so stunned when my doctor explained that surgery was my only real option, too!  My AN was the same size as yours (considered to be "large") and none of the neurosurgeons I consulted with suggested anything other than surgery.  The nasty devils can cause all kinds of other very ugly symptoms that you really don't want.   Surgery sounds very scary and overwhelming but it's a path that many many folks follow (I did too).  There's life on the other side of it..without the AN!

Good luck!!

Kathy

Title: Re: Met with surgeon
Post by: MAlegant on May 13, 2009, 07:06:33 pm

Hi Bob,
I agree with others that 67 is by no means old and that you will probably do great.  Sounds like you are in good hands also.
Best,
Marci

Title: Re: Met with surgeon
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 13, 2009, 10:27:59 pm

Bob -

wishing you the best and hoping everything turns out fine.  As others have said, your age shouldn't prove to be a factor.

I had the behind the ear approach (retrosigmoid) also.

Good luck and please, keep us posted.

Jan

Title: Re: Met with surgeon
Post by: Jim Scott on May 14, 2009, 02:34:04 pm

Bob:

Sorry you have an AN but although it's no walk in the park, removal surgery is not as bad as it first sounds.  I was 63 when I underwent surgery, then radiation.  I did fine.  I bet you will too.

Jim

Title: Re: Met with surgeon
Post by: Kate B on May 14, 2009, 07:54:39 pm

Quote from: heusch on May 13, 2009, 03:07:56 pm

Went to Miami today met with Dr. Telischi 3cm AN he is suggesting surgery my symptoms are balance ,some left side weakness tired. I want to thank all the people who emailed me.
Just stunned at this point he suggest it be done in next 6 months.
Seems like at this point I have no choice I am 67 years old waiting to talk to neuro  guy Telischi suggest do the operation behind the ear since the right side hearing is still pretty good.

Thanks Bob 

Hi Bob,

Have you considered sending your MRI to House? They do free consultations.  I posted the info in another thread today. http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=9593.0

One of the people I know through the former listserv was 67 at the time of diagnosis (although a tumor smaller than 3 cm). This individual continues to wait and watch and is now six years past diagnosis without any growth.  The key of course is the tumor's location and the proximity to the brainstem

BTW, when I was at House there was a 64 year old woman having surgery. 
Kindest Regards,
Kate