Hi, Dan:
Glad to learn that your AN, at 2 cm, is still small enough to be treatable by stereotactic radiosurgery. That will make the logistics of your future treatment much easier, although you'll still need to have some pre-op tests. Traditional radiation - be it 'Gamma Knife' or 'Cyber Knife' - is usually a one-day deal, allowing you to miss very little work and be home with your wife in no time. I realize now that, with your manifold responsibilities, FSR would be somewhat impractical for you, although I retain the conviction that its quite possible to complete as an after-work-type treatment over a few weeks. FSR also has the advantage of having a better chance to avoid facial nerve damage and gives your body overnight to recover from the radiation dose you receive. However, the traditional radiation treatments are also pretty safe these days. If I had the option (I didn't, my AN was too large when discovered) I would have went the Gamma Knife/Cyber Knife route simply to avoid surgery and it's possible complications.
I think we can all understand your disinclination right now to discuss your condition at work or with your wife, considering her fragile state. That obviously makes the 'journey' (and it is, that) more difficult and why I think of you as courageous in the face of adversity. My wife was with me every step of the way as I endured numerous doctor visits, tests and finally, hospitalization and surgery, followed a few months later by 5 weeks of FSR treatments, as well my initial physical recuperation, which went at a fairly brisk pace, as I previously explained. I was blessed in that regard and I wish every AN patient could have the same kind of support. However, your adult son seems to 'on the case' and you certainly have the empathetic folks on this forum to turn to, whenever necessary. I often comment to 'newbies' that being diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma tumor is a 'minefield'. While the tumors are basically the same, except for size, it seems as if each patient has a different experience. Those experiences are usually somewhat life-changing for most folks, even with a good outcome, meaning no facial paralysis or other complications following treatment, be it radiation or surgery (or both). Many AN patients have mental and/or emotional issues arising from this medical crisis, including depression, as it often changes your lifestyle to some degree. I came through my 'AN experience' basically unscathed but I now appreciate my wife and my (otherwise) good health much more than before I was affected by the tumor. I've also given up heavy lifting.
Your account of your son and his roller coaster ride as an obviously outstanding college athlete who came back from a serious injury (with your help) and then, a potential sports professional who chose a law school education, instead, is fascinating as well as poignant. I can see why he is an inspiration to you. Rightfully so. Your determination not to allow your AN treatment to interfere with his chosen career path is the right attitude to have and one that I would share. My son, a very responsible young man who worked 3 jobs to help put himself through college and has never been a problem to us, was 26 and preparing to (finally) move out of our home and get his own place, one of the major steps on the road of adult life that he needed to accomplish. He immediately postponed doing so when it became clear that I had a serious medical condition that required surgery and a possibly long recuperation period. I really appreciated his concern and willingness to alter his plans, although I suspect he wasn't all that sorry about not moving out last year, but I choose to give him the benefit of the doubt on that one. He now plans to move out this autumn. I think he's serious.
As you know by now, although radiation is easier to undergo than surgery, it's not a panacea. Facial nerves can still be affected and some radiation patients lose some hearing, etc. That reality having been noted, I think it's probably your best option, considering your family and work responsibilities at this time. The fact that you have few symptoms now is a very positive factor for you.
I wish you well as you prepare for your consultations and ponder your options relating to doctors, facility and type of radiation you will have.
Jim
