I watch and wait from 2000-2010. The small AN was growing but it was still small enough to do CK which I did. That gave me 6 years then it started to grow. Was leaning on the trigeminal nerve as well as the brain stem. No additional radiation as I would have the probable chance of severe swelling and then major problems within my brain. My choices were limited to only who is the best surgeon within the best hospital who has the best neurosurgical floor and staff. I saw 3 surgeons. Each one said I should have had surgery when it was still small. I had the surgery on a radiated tumor and with that a host of complications. Although my walking my balance is better. My right side of face is swollen. My mouth droops, hard to put makeup on, I'm totally deaf in my right ear, I still have that very annoying tinnitus although that comes from brain. I have that wobble head back its all not perfect. Should I have had the surgery in 2010. Would I have retained my hearing, would my face be symmetrical. Could a would a should a. Stay well friends, joan.