Newly diagnosed AN

[Vickyloo80]

Hello everyone I have been diagnosed with a 3cm acoustic neuroma and been told my only option is surgery to remove it due to where it’s sitting! I’m currently awaiting a date for surgery in Manchester! I feel numb, like it’s not really happening to me! My only symptom is balance issues which is making me feel sick! I’m soo scared of what’s to come but at the same time want it to happen ASAP!

[louise60693]

Bless you, it is a lot to take in. I'm 60 and had mine, about the same in size, surgically removeda month ago. Home now and the surgeons are super specialised and in London they do about 1500 operations a year. I hope this is reassuring, and never think a question is too small to ask. Wishing you well x

[Vickyloo80 in reply to louise60693]

How are you feeling after surgery?

[louise60693 in reply to Vickyloo80]

Ok but very tired which is usual ☺️ . The brain tumour charity are brilliant for any questions you may have in the meantime. Take care.

[Fairy-Princess]

Hi Vicky, I’m so sorry you have joined our “club”. I’m also waiting for a date for surgery in London. Told will probably be sometime in Dec/Jan. I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago and was told on Monday at the MDT clinic that although my AN is just over 2.3cm, (modest size) surgery was also my only option. I shocked as I genuinely thought I would be offered radiation therapy. There’s a lot to process. Losing hearing in one ear, possible facial nerve damage etc. It’s scary, but I take the view other people have gone through this and are living full active lives afterwards. Big virtual hug to you Xx

[Vickyloo80 in reply to Fairy-Princess]

It is a massive thing to accept! But your right we have to be positive, I keep thinking it could have been worse it can be treated or removed! As much as I want surgery ASAP so I can get on to recover and live life I’m soooo scared! I think it’s the unknown! I’ve had an appointment through today to meet surgeons beginning of next month!

[1250GS]

Hi Vickyloo it’s so natural to be scared - I was too. I had mine removed inApril this year and now apart from being deaf in one ear and slight balance problems I’m doing fine. Tbh my recovery was a bit weird the first few days with strange thoughts and headaches but they soon subsided. I slept a lot and had great physio to help me with vision and balance. I think it’s so important to look on the positive and you will be ok. To us all this is so new and unknown but the surgeons and support staff see it everyday and it’s routine to them. Be strong, be positive, keep active and you will be fine. In months to come you will be providing positive and encouraging comments like me . Take care x

[MichiganPhil]

Hi Vicky. Sorry to hear about your AN. You can get through this. This forum is full of great people and great stories that will help you get through this journey. Just remember to be patience during recovery and ask if you have questions, I’m sure someone here will have an answer for you. 😁