UPDATE:Ok, where to start?
Met with CK team at BI. OMG, I am impressed! SUPER impressed is more like it.
Well, radiologist read my films and found the report states my tumor at wrong size. It's slightly larger than the report BUT... it grew lenghwise, not height! There is room in the IAC for the nerve and tumor to swell for radiosurgery! He then tested me for hearing, balance (gawd, I failed that miserably... Kate, gawd bless her, was ready to jump up and do the heel/toe test for me. I couldn't do one step), reflexes, etc. He sat me down and started to talk to me about options (micorsurgery vs. radiosurgery). Well, needless to say, I blew him away with my research!
(Can't thank you all enough for all you have shared with me, as well as my NS and primary care dr). So, he saw I did my homework and I said, " forget all that, talk to me about CK". He gave me my hearing retention chances, facial nerve, course of treatments (recommend 5 consecutive days and that's it) and discussed immediate and long term affects (permanent risks and temporary affects). Then, met with Neuro-oncologist. He started the conversation the same way as the previous dr and I said the same "cut to the chase here, talk to me about CK". He was rather impressed I did my homework as well.
So, all in all, they both feel I'm a perfect candidate for CK, that it should not wait and since the tumor has room to swell and is still small enough, they see it as a VERY viable option for me.
So, I meet with BW on Thursday to see about Novalis and will hear them out.
BTW, BI can start my treatments in the next 2-3 weeks. Doubt my cheeky bloke would be here for it (should that be my final decision) but hey, can't have everything.
Will further update after this week's appt at BW.
Hoping you all are having a good day today and feeling ok.
Phyl