Author Topic: Newly Diagnosed - A bit unsure  (Read 2996 times)

tinab

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Newly Diagnosed - A bit unsure
« on: January 08, 2018, 03:51:55 pm »
I am 46 and have been diagnosed with a 9mm x 4 mm AN. Symptoms were tinnitus and ear fullness on right side. I have had two consults and both suggested watch and wait at this point with a repeat MRI in 6 months. I am not a good "watch and wait" personality but trust the doctors expertise. I am in the Chicagoland area so looking for any suggestions on doctors or their experiences with doctors.  I have seem Dr Battista in Hinsdale and Dr. Micco at Northwestern .  Anyone have any experiences with them?   Also if anyone in the area is in a similar situation I would love to touch base.
Diagnosed 12/17 8.5mm x 4mm
Watch and Wait
5/18 MRI (6 months) - Stable

Jet747

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Re: Newly Diagnosed - A bit unsure
« Reply #1 on: January 08, 2018, 07:11:37 pm »
tinab,

I can definitely relate to the anxiety around first getting this AN news.

Our cases appear to be pretty different so I don’t have too much specific advice. However I am also from the Chicago area and work with a really fantastic neurologist/neurosurgeon.

If you are near Park Ridge, IL, you could contact Dr. George Bovis operating out of the Brain & Spine clinic.  He is very good and with 20 plus years of experience will help educate you on options.  You might consider a consultation with him.

Certainly you will want multiple opinions before you decide on a course of action.

Good luck and feel free to PM with questions!

BR,
Jet
RS Surgery May 2015

GK Radiation October 2015

https://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=21969.0

tinab

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Re: Newly Diagnosed - A bit unsure
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2018, 01:51:37 pm »
Update.  Had my 6 month MRI and it was stable . I could do one in another 12 months but I think I will opt for 6 or 9 months.  I have experienced some pulsatile tinnitus which is new so looking into it with my doctors.
Diagnosed 12/17 8.5mm x 4mm
Watch and Wait
5/18 MRI (6 months) - Stable

buzneg

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Re: Newly Diagnosed - A bit unsure
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2018, 07:22:39 pm »
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked #9 in the nation for Neurology & Neurosurgery

Many people would consider any facility in the top 50 to be outstanding.

https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/neurology-and-neurosurgeryhttps://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/neurology-and-neurosurgery
March 1, 2018 - Hearing loss left side, acute vertigo
March 2, 2018 - MRI show 13 x 7 mm AN (probably growing)
May 2018 - ENT/audiologist indicate 100% hearing loss on left side is permanent
June 29, 2018 -  GK at Wake Forest in NC
Dec.2018 -  MRI shows zero growth
Jan.2020 MRI shows tumor shrinking