New old boy

[HBS68]

I have a intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma, more commonly know as an AN I am in the monitoring process of annual MRI scans. The tumour grew 2mm last year. Got the feeling that the consultant now feels that something will need to be done as the emphasis at my last meeting was more on side effects that monitoring. You put your life in their hands.....

[flappers]

Hello not that old new boy! Well we do in a way put our lives in their hands but luckily they are skilled and knowledgable medical professionals who know what to do about ANs! All the time it’s safest and best to just monitor, that’s what they’ll do. If they believe it’s time for treatment, then it’s time. If you’re offered treatment, or even if you just want to talk to others who have been where you are now, I highly recommend contacting the brainstrust. They have a section on their website just for those of us with benign acoustic neuromas, peer supporters you can contact, one to one support from a coach, weekly hypnotherapy sessions, monthly support groups. I was on watch and wait for 18 months and then after a big growth spurt ( 40 percent don’t ever need treatment) I was given a choice of radiation treatment or surgery. 6 months on, I’m about to go to Thailand for a month. I’ve adapted to the treats having like deafness and tinnitus, and everything else has totally lifted and I feel great! You’re not on your own with this, it certainly won’t kill you but it’sa shock and tells a while to adapt. Ask lots of questions about the impact of either treatment, if you have a choice. And know you will adapt and be okay!