Scared to death

[Sanddollar]

LPenink,

While I cannot give you any perspective on the treatments themselves - my surgery is later this month - I can tell you that hearing from others about their experiences has been a blessing.  I, too, was floored when I was diagnosed.  At that visit, one of the doctors recommended that I visit this Web site to get information (when I wasn't freaking out) so that I could better understand AN and the potential treatments. 

Not only did I get information about treatments, I found people that had been treated by the same surgical team that I was considering.  I have had many exchanges with them, have gotten comfortable with a treatment plan and am now focused on getting the AN out of my life - hopefully for good!  I also feel that I am prepared for some of the potential negative outcomes, and while I hope that I do not experience them, at least I won't be caught off guard.  Most doctors are pretty good at discussing the medical side of the equation, but you need to get in touch with those who have experienced a situation to get the personal side of things.

I agree with several of the other posts - do your homework, make a decision, don't look back.  I think you will find that you will be in a peaceful place prior to treatment, and that will aid in your recovery.

Stay positive!

Sanddollar

[dowdog]

So...Lpenink,
What has happened since January.  Did you have the Gamma Knife procedure with Dr. Cerullo?  I also live in the chicago area and plan to call Dr. Cerullo for an opinion on my AN.
I hope everything has gone well for you and would be interested in getting an update on your treatment and current condition.

Thanks

[kjneuma]

I am a 31 year old female who had a very large acoustic neuroma resected in 1998.  In 2001 a follow up MRI detected a 2nd acoustic neuroma in the same location.  I received Gamma Knife radiation on that tumor and have been following it close for the past 5 years since the Gamma Knife radiation. 
This past weekend a follow up MRI and visit with a neurosurgeon at the Mayo clinic in Rochester Minnesota identified that I need another surgery to resect the tumor again.  I have had no hearing on my left side and facial paralysis since the 1998 surgery.  The Gamma Knife procedure was much easier to tolerate than the resection surgery.  I feel confident that you will be surprised at the process.  The worst part was getting fitted for the headframe (halo) application.  I wish you god speed as you go thru your procedure.

[Sue]

Hi -- this is my first post and visit to this site.  I was diagnosed with an AN a year and a bit ago.  It was 5 mm and is now 6 mm.  I am already deaf in my ear and experiencing facial numbness, balance problems, and ear pain.  My doctor is the best and I'm grateful to have him here in Chicago where I live.  People around me are pretty supportive but just don't know what to say.  So I've come here to you guys because I'm guessing I might get more support here.  I'm due to have the Gamma Knife surgery in a few weeks.  I'm so very scared.  I cry a lot.  Could really use some reassurance.  Is anyone out there who can help?  Thank you in advance.

Hi
I just had my GK done 4/18.  The anticipation is much worse than the actual procedure. With me, I had a consultation at the Gamma Knife Center of Oregon with Dr. Bader. They gave me a tour. I had a CD to watch that they sent me through the mail, and that explained most everything. Then they give you a little white pill and you don't freakin care what they do to ya!!  It's a four margurita morning, honey. It doesn't hurt - just a little pin prick with the needle in the head. Getting a new crown put on at the dentist is way more traumatic than Gamma Knife.  I was on steroids afterward for possible swelling, and nobody told me to sleep in a recliner!  The worst part of the whole week, was the side effects of the steroids.  Insomnia is a common side effect. I would have been happy to sleep ANYWHERE - recliner, bed, chair, floor, lawn chair...Just sleep...It was a looooonnnng week. Now, it's just two weeks past my treatment. I am looking forward to the next MRI when they can pronounce the stupid thing inside my head is dead, dying or at least mortally wounded.  Hang in there....THIS TOO SHALL PASS.