As my doctor put it make sure it is not their first rodeo and also ask if they are performing the surgery. Agree with the 100 or more number. 
Good Luck on your journey,
Dan

Hi there.  What did the radiation doctors say about the increase in size?  Did they say it was a sign of tumor dying?  Some increase is, but I'm not sure how much.  Might be good to also consult with a regular surgeon just to see what they say.  People often mail their MRI to House and UC San Diego for phone consults.  They will have a much better idea about how much growth is concerning or not.  Keep us posted.

Hi there never heard of them.  You can always ask them how many AN surgeries they have performed.  Hundreds is a good number.  Just to be sure.

Glad to hear all is going well for you.   We have never met and we probably never will, but I feel like I know you from all the posts and updates over this past 2 years that I have been on here.  I hope you have many more good years ahead of you, and look forward to more positive reports. 

Life is great!

Three years ago, I never would have imagined I’d be writing this. At the beginning of this journey, I was scared, uncertain, and wondering what life would look like on the other side.

Today, I can honestly say that life is pretty darn good.

I’ve come to an understanding with the SSD and tinnitus. They’re simply part of my life now. I’ve learned to adapt, find the humor in things, and keep moving forward. When we go out with a group, I get to assign the seating locations. There are always a few people I place in the “dead zone.” My wife is getting used to it. 😊

The tumor shrank a little on my MRI in April, which was encouraging. My ENT wants to evaluate me for a hearing aid this December. I’m not sure how much it will help, but I’m willing to give it a shot. I do the Delta test and use their entertainment system. With the volume fully cranked up, I can hear a little in the bad ear. I’m not expecting a miracle from the evaluation—although I’m pretty sure I’ll get a bill! 😂

Three years post CK and 2½ years post open-heart surgery, I’m a happy camper.

We’re going to hit almost 90 days of traveling this year. We’re also now grandparents, which is absolutely awesome. There are moments when I stop and think about how far life has come, and I’m incredibly grateful.

I’m sharing this for those who are just starting their journey and are scared. I was scared too. I remember what those early days felt like—the uncertainty, the questions, and wondering what the future would hold.

But here’s what I’ve learned: keep moving forward, one day at a time. You may not know what life will look like a year or three years from now, but there can still be so many good things waiting for you on the other side of the fear.

This group gave me strength when I needed it most. The experiences, encouragement, and support from people who understood what I was going through made a difference in my journey.

So to everyone here who is still in the middle of their journey: hang in there. Take it one step at a time. There is life after the diagnosis, and there can be a lot of good life to live.

I’m proof that the road may not always be exactly what you expected, but it can still lead to some pretty wonderful places.

I truly thank you all for the support you gave me—and continue to give others.

And please don’t tell my heart group, but this group may be smaller… but it sure is a whole lot more supportive. 😊

Thank you all,

Dan