Hi everyone. I was originally diagnosed with an AN back in February of this year. When I had my translab surgery in May, they found I actually had a facial neuroma. The surgeon debulked it, but left 5mm on the facial nerve so as not to cause facial paralysis. I found this quite upsetting because I had hoped they would 'get it all' when I had my surgery. My surgeon stated that he wants to do gamma knife radiation on the remaining tumor six months to a year after my surgery. I started doing research and have yet to find another facial neuroma patient that has had radiation. So I decided to get another opinion. After consulting with Dr. Friedman of HEI, I've decided not to do anything for right now. I'm just going to get MRIs (frequency to be determined) and watch it to see if it grows. I can only hope that it doesn't. And if it does, I'll have more decisions to make at that time.
So now that I've made this latest decision, I have to learn to live with this thing in me. I've been reading the posts on tips for those in the watch and wait brigade and have found those helpful. I think the hardest thing for me is dealing with this emotionally. I have a lot of anxiety and play the 'what if' game all too often. I'd love to hear from those of you in the watch and wait category as to how you get on with your lives knowing you have this thing in you.
Thanks for listening and any advice! --Carol Ann