Residual tumour regrowth

[sunshineandfrost]

Hi there,

I had surgery in 2021 to remove a large AN. My follow-up MRI scans showed that all was well--until the last one, which shows regrowth. It's slight (from 17 x 5 mm to 22 x 7 mm) but it still really scares me. My consultation with my neurosurgeon (the one who saved me before) isn't until the end of Nov. I'm guessing I'll be watch-and-wait, but maybe not if it's regrowth? I'm wondering if any others have any experience with this ... thank you!

[Robbo2023]

Consider, cyberknife, Seek a neuro oncologist. I have the benefit of hindsight.

[sunshineandfrost in reply to Robbo2023]

Definitely thinking things through, and lucky I have a brilliant nuerosurgeon on my side already.

[FERNBROOK]

I used to think Watch and Wait was a state of limbo that induced stress and not much else. I had retrosigmoid in 2022 with significant complications ( nobody's fault). Even if the residual tumour has grown in my November scan I won't be in any hurry to act on it. Unless there is a direct threat to life or increased symptoms my feeling now is leave well alone. Nobody expects surgery/radiotherapy to 'cure' AN. There is always a trade off such as hearing loss or other vestibular issues. So for those on Watch and Wait you are not in limbo think of it as active monitoring. Don't be in a hurry to 'sort' it.

[StrugglingSpouse in reply to FERNBROOK]

I like how you put that perspective on it. That's helpful. Our experience was that we watched and waited too long though and then surgery was complicated.

I don't think there's an easy answer though. It was very hard in the two years before surgery and excruciatingly hard after

[sunshineandfrost in reply to FERNBROOK]

That's good advice, thank you. I admit my strategy is simply listen to my surgeon. He's already saved my life, after all It's the waiting to do so that is SO difficult!

[FERNBROOK in reply to sunshineandfrost]

My life was saved too after life support. Bit extreme an example I know but just emphasising watch and wait is a third option that needs more credence.

[musicman5]

I also had surgery in 2021 for a large AN and my 6 month MRI showed a small regrowth. I had a Gamma Knife treatment at that time which seems to have stopped the regrowth.

[sunshineandfrost in reply to musicman5]

Thanks, that's good to know. I honestly don't know what my surgeon will recommend, but I trust him. A ten week wait till we talk, though--waiting is definitely the hardest part. I hope you're doing well.