Hi, Alfanso ~
I can't add to the mounds of good advice you've already received and I don't want to repeat it all but I do want to offer you my welcome and my empathy for you and your wife. The days following an AN diagnosis are some of the hardest, I know. The unknown can be intimidating and no one wants to make the 'wrong' treatment decision or forget to consider any possible option. This is where your research will help as it not only will give you the information you need but having that information will make both you and your wife better equipped to reach the decisions necessary in the days and weeks to come. It's a form of empowerment that benefits everyone involved. I know you realize that the coming weeks will involve a lot of doctor visits, demand patience - and some schedule juggling, I'm sure. You and your wife will probably see more doctor's offices, labs and hospitals than you ever wanted to see, but remember that all the hassle is both necessary and, thankfully, temporary. Eventually, you'll make a treatment decision and follow through with it. Yes, whatever approach your wife chooses to take to deal with her tumor will carry some element of risk, that can't be avoided. However, these days, many of the risks formally associated with acoustic neuroma surgery and/or radiation have been diminished or removed from the equation. The majority of AN patients do quite well. I'm one of them At age 63 I underwent both surgery and radiation (in a planned, 2-step process) for my large (4.5 cm) acoustic neuroma, and enjoyed complete success and an excellent recovery...and I'm hardly an anomaly. Many of our members have similar stories to tell, and they will, I'm sure, in an effort to encourage you and your wife as you begin the process of moving forward with treating her AN. Fortunately, you're located in New York City and enjoy a plethora of doctors and facilities that treat acoustic neuroma patients. I know that our members are eager to help and support you and your wife in whatever way we can so please allow us to do so. Thank you.
Jim