ANA Discussion Forum
Watch and Wait => For those in the 'watch and wait' status => Topic started by: Rivergirl on April 03, 2011, 09:51:41 am
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So it is has been a year already and 4 since diagnosis, can't wait until tomorrow is over. I get so nervous before my yearly thinking this may be the year he says I need to do something. When he tells you that you can go another year, you breathe easier and say I am going to go on as normal as I can and try to forget I have this tumor so hoping tomorrow will be just that. I am sure all in watch and wait get these jitters.
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Rivergirl
Good luck tomorrow, we all hope the best for you. Keep up posted.
TJ
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Hello Rivergirl,
As a fellow Watch and Waiter, I truly understand and feel your anxiety! Will, keep good thoughts and send you Blessings for an uneventful, stable MRI.
Keep the Faith,
Jackie
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Hi,
Best wishes on your MRI tomorrow, please let us know what your results are. Mine is not until October. I am going for a consultation with Dr. Mason at his Northampton Office on April 11th. I am still with Dr. McKenna but just wanted a second opinion.
Keep in touch,
LisaP ;D
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Thanks for the well wishes....Lisa P who is Dr. Mason?
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Hi Rivergirl,
Another W & Waiter chiming in to say best wishes that all is well tomorrow with your MRI!
[I get nervous too, when i have mine - this last go around in January, I was given a heated robe, for extra comfort. WOW! Thought i was at the spa, instead the imaging center......... :o]
Prayers all around, and think positive thoughts!
Keep us posted.
Sincerely,
Sue
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I get so nervous before my yearly thinking this may be the year he says I need to do something.
The downside of Watch-and-Wait....but I really hope the MRI shows 'no growth' and you're good for another year, Cindy. See you at the ANA N.E. Discussion Forum brunch on the 17th. :)
Jim
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I get so nervous before my yearly thinking this may be the year he says I need to do something.
The downside of Watch-and-Wait....but I really hope the MRI shows 'no growth' and you're good for another year, Cindy. See you at the ANA N.E. Discussion Forum brunch on the 17th. :)
Jim
Best of luck Cindy...if you have not had any change in symptoms etc since your last scan, all the signs are that you will be just fine. Whilst agreeing with Jim that awaiting the outcome of the annual scan can be a daunting experience for some, I do not necessarily consider that it is a'downside' particularly applicable to being in the W & W mode as I would be very surprised that anyone who has opted for excision / radiation of the AN would not also avail themselves of an annual scan to be absolutely certain that there is no regrowth etc occurring.
Regards
Derek
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Derek ~
Your point is well taken but I should clarify that I meant the 'downside' of watch and wait is the anxiety of not knowing whether or not one will have to deal with addressing the tumor 'this year', as Cindy indicated. However, as you noted, post-op/radiation AN patients usually have annual MRI scans - with the anxiety that rings. In the long run, MRI scans are only required every 5 years or so - or when AN-like symptoms re-emerge. I haven't had an MRI in over 2 years and have no symptoms so there is little anxiety to deal with. I know that could change, but I'm not concerned about it. Still, that is very specific to my situation. Again, you are correct - but I was looking at the bigger picture, based on my own experience, which, as I admit, is specific to me and should not be considered a template for all AN patients. I apologize for any misunderstandings.
Jim
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Watch and wait...
Of course everyone knows a 4 mm. AN can take out hearing in a wink w/o growing if blood flow is interrupted.
Conservative management, aka; Watch and wait, causes great anxiety. Anxiety itself removes life from life.
So; One might wish to consider the broad range of W & W and it's psychological/physical potential, immediate, or future.
Now; If an NF-2er is w/w, I would ask what the logical outcome of NF-2 is.
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Good luck ...
I agree with Derek - none of the treatments for these tumors guarantees no future treatment and or future scans. I am on a 18 month re-scan schedule (next one in July 2011) and then the research does show just like what Jim indicated a 3-5 year rotation, unless symptoms appear, regardless if W&W, radiation or surgery. No one gets a 'pass go' with these tumors, unfortunately!
Continue to think positive thoughts ... we have such true longevity in the W&W group (I think we have a couple 10+ year people), hoping you (and me!) can stay with that group for even a few more years.
Interesting someone mentioned anxiety - I am rarely anxious about the tumor or future treatment. It is what it will be ... I am more fearful of a terminal disease, one of my children getting hurt (had a child a the Alberta Children's Hospital for three days last week after he fell 30 feet from a ski lift, while in a ski lesson - 5 compression fractures in his spine) or losing my spouse (he was ill last fall). This tumor, because it is small (and thus W&W), doesn't slow me down.
I am thinking positive thoughts for a no growth scan!!!!
Ann
PS ... I, of course, will be a bit edgy in July close to my next scan. Silly if you weren't ... it is my couple of weeks to ponder about the sucker.
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Guess I will be leaving watch and wait soon.....tumor has grown, I posted a new topic, thanks for your help