70 years old. Am I too old for surgery?

[wwoodward49]

Hi there,

I am 70 years old and have a rapidly growing A.N. which started out as 7mm in size. I was initially told that because of my age it would be dangerous to have surgery and that I should just watch and wait.

After my last MRI I was told that my tumor is growing fast and that I would have to have surgery. I am going for another MRI on Friday and then the doctor will schedule surgery. I am really scared because I don't know what my chances are for a successful operation. I have read some horror stories online about post surgery dizziness, headaches, etc.. I wonder if any of you would be able to give me some idea as to what I can look forward to after I come out of surgery. I am getting really nervous and depressed and wondering if I am doing the right thing. My doctors Dr. Barker is a neurosurgeon at Mass General who teams up with Dr. Jung who is a otolaryngologist from Mass Eye and Ear. I would appreciate any input you could give me.

Thank you

[Colejoe1]

Hi

I had AN surgey to remove 3cm tumour 7moths ago. I was terrified too yet the surgery was no way as bad as imagined. I felt my self getting better each day. Balance was off for about a month although they give you exercises to do and these have definitely help.ed.

Hope things work out for you.

I have only just joined the forum cos was too scared to talk about my tumour before surgey

My symptoms of burning mouth and toothache have started again this last month so am now worried bit of tumour they left on my facial nerve could be growing back. Hospital have said will have to wait and see if it settles down before doing another MRI. Am hoping it's just stress or cold weather that's made it flare up again.

Good luck

[wwoodward49 in reply to Colejoe1]

Thanks Colejoe1, I appreciate your response.

[Teashop]

I will be 69 this year am waiting for surgery in Feb to remove 22mm tumour consultant said not old so long as fit enough . surgeon wouldn't advise surgery if it was suitable for you .trust you have have to put your trust in the surgeons.

[wwoodward49 in reply to Teashop]

Thank you Teashop!

[Hidden]

Hello Wwoodward, what ever you have to do just go at it with a positive attitude. It;s normal to be afraid. I wish there was someway we could talk on the phone. It helps to talk with someone that has been through the same thing. My doctors gave me a list of people and there phone numbers that were willing to talk and i never reached out to any of them i wish I did. I say phone because I'm not much of a computer person.

[Ballantyne56]

Hi Woodward,

I hope you are doing ok.

Kind regards