Author Topic: 2 month MRI s/p CK  (Read 3958 times)

goinbatty

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2 month MRI s/p CK
« on: April 02, 2008, 08:31:00 pm »
Just an update - I recently had a follow-up MRI.  Findings - it's only slightly larger at 10 mm x 7 mm.  But I would have been fine without this comment - "While most of its features are compatible with vestibular schwannoma, interval visualization of a thin dural tail projected posteriorly from the IAC rasies the possibility of a meningioma, though statistically less likely."  I contacted my radiation oncologist this week and am waiting to hear back.  Either way, I'm glad I had CK.  Hoping it will kill whatever that little alien is in there. 
As far as symptoms, the tinnitus is a bit worse and I can tell my hearing has diminished somewhat.  But the thing I've noticed the most is clumsiness.  Not dizziness but just being off balance at times.  I've fallen a few times within the past couple of months.  My ear feels full and I occasionally feel like I'm being pulled to the right (right AN) which makes me a little off balance.  Hard to explain.  I've run into things but nothing major.  Most of the time I don't notice it. 
I can't begin to tell you all how much your support has meant to me over the past year. 
Take care,
Sandra
1/2007 - 6 x 4.5 mm AN
8/2007 - 9 x 6 mm
CK at Georgetown 1/7/08-1/11/08; Dr. Gagnon
3/2008 - 10 x 7 mm
7/2008 - 9 x 10 x 6 mm (NECROTIC CENTER!!!!!)
5/2009 - no change/stable
4/2010 - 10 x 7 x 6 mm; stable/no change
5/2011 - 10 x 7; stable/no change
6/2012 - 8.1 x 7 mm
4/2014 - stable/no change

sgerrard

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2008, 12:04:40 am »
Hi Sandra,

Well, I didn't have that comment, and I'm fine without it, so I can understand your feelings.   ;)

If you have your choice, I think you actually want an AN, rather than a meningioma. That's weird, a reason to want an AN. Hopefully your oncologist will clear it up soon.

I have had a little bit of that vague off balance sense, especially turning while on stairs. My back steps seem to be particularly prone to give me a moment of wobble. I have the full ear sensation a lot as well.

I am testing out a hearing aid, it seems to be working quite well, and besides helping me hear better, it seems to make me feel more normal. If it continues like this, I would have to recommend trying one.

Stay well,

Steve
8 mm left AN June 2007,  CK at Stanford Sept 2007.
Hearing lasted a while, but left side is deaf now.
Right side is weak too. Life is quiet.

Sheryl

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2008, 07:19:57 am »
AN vs. MENINGIOMA - well I can tell you from personal experience with myself having a 9th cranial nerve schwannoma (very close to the 8th nerve AN) and my husband having a meningioma (yes, with a dural tail) that has recurred after one surgery - that neither are much fun :(  Granted, both are benign tumors but benign can grow and cause problems - the good part about benign is that it does not spread to other parts of the body. 

Don't fret too much over the wording - the radiologist is probably covering his "tail" (I guess that's a pun??).

Please keep us posted.
Sheryl
9th cranial nerve schwannoma - like an acoustic neuroma on another nerve. Have recently been told it could be acoustic neuroma. Only 7 mm of growth in 18 years. With no symptoms. Continuing W&W

jb

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2008, 06:35:31 pm »
Sandra,
Sorry you're having to deal with this extra uncertainty.  Sounds like maybe a C.Y.A. term they put in your report, but hopefully the CK got it either way.  I have an email address for Dr. G. that I can PM you if you want it.  I've had a little better success getting in touch with him that way.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

2 cm right-side AN, diagnosed July 2006
Cyberknife at Georgetown Univ. Hospital, Aug 2007
Swelled to 2.5 cm and darkened thru center on latest MRI's, Dec 2007 and Mar 2008
Shrinking! back to 2 cm, Aug 2008
Still shrinking (a little), I think about 1.7 cm now, Aug 2009

goinbatty

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #4 on: April 04, 2008, 07:38:04 am »
Thanks for the replies.
Sheryl, I can't imagine having both within the same family.  I don't know about you, but I've taken to calling myself a freak of nature.  Got to find some humor in all of this mess. 
JB, I emailed Dr. last week but haven't heard back, so I emailed Cheryl.  Will let you all know what I find out.  CK is used to treat both so hopefully that will take care of the little thing in there. 
Sandra
1/2007 - 6 x 4.5 mm AN
8/2007 - 9 x 6 mm
CK at Georgetown 1/7/08-1/11/08; Dr. Gagnon
3/2008 - 10 x 7 mm
7/2008 - 9 x 10 x 6 mm (NECROTIC CENTER!!!!!)
5/2009 - no change/stable
4/2010 - 10 x 7 x 6 mm; stable/no change
5/2011 - 10 x 7; stable/no change
6/2012 - 8.1 x 7 mm
4/2014 - stable/no change

Sheryl

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2008, 07:27:44 pm »
Sandra - yes, we do keep a sense of humor.  Hubby and I tell everyone we like to do things together -  MRI's, brain tumors, etc.  We joke with the doctors' offices that we are going to put our names on two chairs in the waiting room - especially the radiology facility where we go!!
Sheryl (not to be confused with Cheryl)  ;D
9th cranial nerve schwannoma - like an acoustic neuroma on another nerve. Have recently been told it could be acoustic neuroma. Only 7 mm of growth in 18 years. With no symptoms. Continuing W&W

goinbatty

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #6 on: April 08, 2008, 02:23:07 pm »
Well I agree.  They should a sign over the MRI door, in honor of....
Got the response back from the doc.  He said it's probably dural irritation from the CK.  So I'll breath a bit easier til the 6 mo MRI comes around. 
Sandra
1/2007 - 6 x 4.5 mm AN
8/2007 - 9 x 6 mm
CK at Georgetown 1/7/08-1/11/08; Dr. Gagnon
3/2008 - 10 x 7 mm
7/2008 - 9 x 10 x 6 mm (NECROTIC CENTER!!!!!)
5/2009 - no change/stable
4/2010 - 10 x 7 x 6 mm; stable/no change
5/2011 - 10 x 7; stable/no change
6/2012 - 8.1 x 7 mm
4/2014 - stable/no change

pearchica

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #7 on: April 08, 2008, 05:34:02 pm »
Yeah on the good news.  And yeah, it is all about CYA with the medical community. I'm sorry that you had to go through that.  Take care of yourself Sandra ( BTW, I love your screen name- very clever!)

Annie
Annie MMM MY Shwannoma (sung to the son My Sharona by the Knack-1979)
I have a TUMAH (Arnold Schwarzenegger accent) 2.4 x 2.2 x 1.9CM. CK Treatment 2/7-2/9/07, Stanford- Dr. Stephen Chang, Dr. Scott Soltys

goinbatty

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Re: 2 month MRI s/p CK
« Reply #8 on: April 08, 2008, 06:08:09 pm »
You're so right on the CYA.  I've been in nursing for years now and have seen that happen time and time again. 
And yes, I am way beyond batty from all of this!! 

Sandra
1/2007 - 6 x 4.5 mm AN
8/2007 - 9 x 6 mm
CK at Georgetown 1/7/08-1/11/08; Dr. Gagnon
3/2008 - 10 x 7 mm
7/2008 - 9 x 10 x 6 mm (NECROTIC CENTER!!!!!)
5/2009 - no change/stable
4/2010 - 10 x 7 x 6 mm; stable/no change
5/2011 - 10 x 7; stable/no change
6/2012 - 8.1 x 7 mm
4/2014 - stable/no change