Author Topic: Those of you with 3cm ANs. What were you offered? What happened?  (Read 10905 times)

leapyrtwins

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Re: Those of you with 3cm ANs. What were you offered? What happened?
« Reply #15 on: May 02, 2014, 09:58:36 am »
Most docs won't radiation an AN over 3 cms.

At the time I was diagnosed my MRI showed my AN was 1.5 cms so I was given the choice of radiation (GK) or surgery.  It was a tough decision, but I ultimately opted for surgery.

During surgery (6 weeks after my diagnostic MRI) my docs discovered my AN was actually 3+ cms.  They told me it was a good thing I chose surgery because if I had chosen GK they would have realized during the procedure that my AN was too large.

My surgery was retrosigmoid approach.  My outcome was excellent - no permanent side-effects except SSD (single-sided deafness) and only because my AN was wrapped around my hearing nerve and it had to be "sacrificed" during surgery. 

Jan
Retrosig 5/31/07 Drs. Battista & Kazan (Hinsdale, Illinois)
Left AN 3.0 cm (1.5 cm @ diagnosis 6 wks prior) SSD. BAHA implant 3/4/08 (Dr. Battista) Divino 6/4/08  BP100 4/2010 BAHA 5 8/2015

I don't actually "make" trouble..just kind of attract it, fine tune it, and apply it in new and exciting ways

Skishortstuff

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Re: Those of you with 3cm ANs. What were you offered? What happened?
« Reply #16 on: May 05, 2014, 10:42:06 am »
I had a 4 cm.  I woke up with facial paralysis and I'm five weeks post op and it's starting to come back. Start walking and then keep walking post surgery. I have no trouble speaking clearly. They somewhat cut into my neck muscles so I keep moving my neck- this helps recover my vestibular dizziness as well...
AN diagnosed 3/10/14 3cm ear- scheduled translab 4/1 at Swedish-- Retrosigmoid/Sub-occipital Approach:4/1/14 tumour was actually 4., SSD, complete vestibular removal

Gloria Nailor

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Re: Those of you with 3cm ANs. What were you offered? What happened?
« Reply #17 on: May 05, 2014, 11:50:55 am »
My tumor was 3 cm x 3 cm and I had surgery.  I believe surgery is the recommended approach for larger tumors. You will surely be able to teach your daughter how to speak. I met 2 people yesterday who had the same size tumors and have no paralysis.  I had total paralysis but regained movement in the lower half of my face.  I am sorry you are going through this. Good luck to you.
4/2011 diagnosed with 3 cm AN on right side
6/15/2011 retrosigmoid craniotomy which resulted in SSD, severe facial paralysis
7/2011 gold weight placed right eye lid
5/2012 tarsorrpapny right eye
6/2012 woke up with a smile
1/2013 cranioplasty because a screw came out of my head!
6-7/13 regrowth, GK

iz2014

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Re: Those of you with 3cm ANs. What were you offered? What happened?
« Reply #18 on: May 07, 2014, 09:35:55 am »
Thank you.

Surgery in about one or two months.

This worrying will all be over soon.

Just waiting for NF2 results now.

v357139

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Re: Those of you with 3cm ANs. What were you offered? What happened?
« Reply #19 on: May 15, 2014, 08:47:55 pm »
Best of luck and keep us posted
Dx 2.6 cm Nov 2012, 35% hearing loss.  Grew to 3.5 cm Oct 2013.  Pre-op total hearing loss, left side tongue numb.  Translab Nov 2013 House Clinic.  Post-op no permanent facial or other issues.  Tongue much improved.  Great result!!

cpchri1

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Re: Those of you with 3cm ANs. What were you offered? What happened?
« Reply #20 on: May 16, 2014, 05:47:11 pm »
IZ we are praying for you.  Your best days are ahead of you too and as Jim said keeping a positive attitude and being educated with experienced doctors and your determination will get you through this difficult time. 
.7 x .6 x .5 cm left middle fossa approach 2/26/14
50% hearing loss left side before 2/26/14
50% hearing loss left side after 2/26/14
No evidence of malignancy
Bell's Palsy left side 15 years before 2014