confused in California

[kelli]

Hi, my name is Kelli and I have been reading the discussions here and I am so grateful to you all for your sharing. I have learned so much from this site. I was diagnosed in Jan. 2007 with 3cm AN on left side.  I have been in school the past few years and have had serious headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ear and double vision.  I would close one eye to read because the double vision was so bad.  I really thought it was all stress and school related.  I finally went to the doctor and he agreed with me that stress can cause these symptoms.  I went back to him and insisted that I'm having strange leftsided headaches and my left ear won't stop whistling, ever. I finally got to go to the ENT and she ordered the MRI which came back with a 3cm tumor.  I was in shock for quite awhile and started all of the alternative holistic treatments available.  I read all of the natural cure books and set about trying to heal myself.  I fasted, prayed, visualized, tried Chinese medicine, vitamins, vegan diet, oil pulling, drinking gallons of water a day, yoga, acupunture, about 20 different herbs, saw faith healers, energy workers, even flew to Canada to see a famous healer. I really believed in natural healing.  However, as of my recent MRI, a couple of weeks ago, I found out the tumor is still there at 3cm.  I have Kaiser and went to see Dr. Nutik in Redwood City.  I really feel safe with him as a surgeon, I'm just so confused!  I have cancelled 3 surgeries with him because of extreme fear. Kaiser in L.A. has said they could probably treat me with Novalis, daily over a 6 week period. I'm wondering if anyone has had the Novalis treatment and how it feels.  I am right at the cutoff at 3cm, so I still have the choice of radiosurgery. I feel like getting this out sometimes, then I think radiosurgery is better.  I've never been so confused in all of my life about anything! I still want to have children some day and wonder if the radiation will hurt my body. I'm already 39, so I don't have very much time to spare.  I also still have good hearing on my left side. I welcome any ideas or suggestions for treatment.

Thank you all so much.

In gratitude,

Kelli

[kelli]

After I finished writing this last message, my surgeon called and said there was a cancellation for Dec 20.  He is Dr. Nutik from Kaiser Redwood City.  He will be doing the posterior/suboccipital approach to remove my 3cm tumor.  I am shaking now, as this is all happening so fast.  I pray that everything will go beautifully during surgery and I will have a quick recovery.  Thank you All!
Happy Holidays,
Kelli

[1wareagle]

Welcome Kelli,

     You seem like you have really researched all your options and treatments well. You are so close to House Ear Institute and haven't mentioned them. While I was there other ANers were coming from all over the world for treatment there. If you haven't contacted them I would at least let them read your MRI and get their opinion on what procedure they would recommend.

     I have never heard of treatment with Novalis. If you could let me know more about it.

Good Luck picking the right Doctors,
Ellis

[mindyandy]

Have you gone to the website cyberknifesupport.org? Try asking the drs there your questions. If you ask them to read your MRI they will be happy to read it and give you their opinion. I understand the whirlwind your under. I'm 30 years old and was diagnosed in Sept. 1.4cm. I hope this helps you.

Mindy

[OTO]

kelli

I know there have been posts on the forum regarding Kaiser in California with postive experiences.   You might want to use the search tool to see if you can find the message string.

Making the decision between surgery and radiation is a difficult personal decision to make.  Everyone has fears and doubts.   Having a deadline makes it tougher.   All you can do is think through the pros and cons, and make your decision.   Once I chose the treatment I wanted, I felt a kind of resolve come into me, that I would get better.  Use your faith and energy into getting better...   You need support from family or trusted friends to help you along the way too...  

[fbarbera]

We all are praying with you for a fantastic and successful outcome to your surgery!!  Best wishes. 

Francesco

[kelli]

Thank you all for your replies.  I had the surgery on Dec 20 at Kaiser in Redwood City with Dr. Nutik.  He got 90% of the tumor, the rest I can watch and wait and maybe have radiosurgery in the future.  I am feeling better every day and my headaches are also easing up some.  I am so relieved not to have this A.N. hanging over my head!  Not knowing what to do and constantly changing my mind was making me crazy.  I am so grateful for this group!  I hope everyone has a wonderful new year!

[OMG16]

I was just thinking of you last night and wondering how you were doing.  Thank you for the update and I am thrilled to hear you are doing well.  Happy New Year and take care of yourself.  16

[sgerrard]

Hi Kelli,

It sounds like you are happy to be a postie. Join the club. 

Leaving a little bit for radiation later is becoming more common, it seems; often to reduce facial nerve issues. It has worked out well for several on this forum. I am glad to here you are feeling better and recovering well. Keep it up! Also thanks for updating, it is always good to find out how things turn out. Keep us updated on your progress, and enjoy your new postie status in 2008.

Steve

[OTO]

Congratulations on being a Postie.  Take care and recuperate...

[leapyrtwins]

Congratulations, fellow postie 

Glad to hear your surgery is over and that you are doing well.