1st appointment with specialist went good

[sumguy75]

Saw a specialist today for the tumor they found back in August. Not really a conclusive visit, but at least I have more info on where things go from here. Right now the upside is it is a small tumor and there is no hurry to treat it immediately since its not too close to my brain right now.

The plan is to get another MRI done in February (6 months from the first MRI) and see if it is actually growing. Doc said around 30% of the time this type of tumor stops growing while its small and only requires monitoring every year to make sure it doesn't start growing again. Obviously that would be the best outcome and what I hope they find out with the MRI in February.

Biggest negative was finding out that both radiation and surgical treatments have a high chance of losing some or all of my hearing on that side permanently. Surgery is pretty rough, they basically remove a piece of the skull and go in behind the inner ear and spend several hours removing it trying to preserve the hearing nerve and facial nerve function. Recovery varies per person, but he said a few days in the hospital after surgery and 1-3 months recovery after that if everything goes good, longer if there are any complications.

On the bright side, I like the doc and he is really good. Took his time to explain everything in simple terms and answered all the questions I had without any rush. For now its more of the hurry up and wait game until February. Just glad there is at least a possibility I won't need any treatment, just monitoring. Keeping my fingers crossed for that!

 

[remote uncontrol]

Hope all goes well. My prayers are with you

 

[john 8s]

100% agree

 

[Johnny b]

Best of luck for positive news in Feb.

 

[King blitz]

Saw a specialist today for the tumor they found back in August. Not really a conclusive visit, but at least I have more info on where things go from here. Right now the upside is it is a small tumor and there is no hurry to treat it immediately since its not too close to my brain right now.

The plan is to get another MRI done in February (6 months from the first MRI) and see if it is actually growing. Doc said around 30% of the time this type of tumor stops growing while its small and only requires monitoring every year to make sure it doesn't start growing again. Obviously that would be the best outcome and what I hope they find out with the MRI in February.

Biggest negative was finding out that both radiation and surgical treatments have a high chance of losing some or all of my hearing on that side permanently. Surgery is pretty rough, they basically remove a piece of the skull and go in behind the inner ear and spend several hours removing it trying to preserve the hearing nerve and facial nerve function. Recovery varies per person, but he said a few days in the hospital after surgery and 1-3 months recovery after that if everything goes good, longer if there are any complications.

On the bright side, I like the doc and he is really good. Took his time to explain everything in simple terms and answered all the questions I had without any rush. For now its more of the hurry up and wait game until February. Just glad there is at least a possibility I won't need any treatment, just monitoring. Keeping my fingers crossed for that!

God bless you brotha .I hope to God you get the best results..I hope it stops and everything goes back to normal.we got you in our prayers..be strong and hopeful..the good Lord will take care of the rest

 

[Ron Burgandy]

Prayers inbound

 

[morrjr71]

My wife is a stage 4A lung cancer survivor. Her lung cancer was diagnosed early in 2022. Due to a heart condition (now gone) and other factors, she couldn't have surgery, so they used chemo for a short period and then Keytruda alone. That Keytruda stuff works: she has been cancer free for over six months as verified by PETSCANS and MRIs. The original cancerous lump continues to recede and go away.

Good luck with whatever route your doctor takes.

 

[blaster27]

Hope to hear good news in February. Medicine has come a long way. Good luck bro.

 

[Tex Koder]

Here's to the best , buddy.

 

[WoodiE]

Saw a specialist today for the tumor they found back in August. Not really a conclusive visit, but at least I have more info on where things go from here. Right now the upside is it is a small tumor and there is no hurry to treat it immediately since its not too close to my brain right now.

The plan is to get another MRI done in February (6 months from the first MRI) and see if it is actually growing. Doc said around 30% of the time this type of tumor stops growing while its small and only requires monitoring every year to make sure it doesn't start growing again. Obviously that would be the best outcome and what I hope they find out with the MRI in February.

Biggest negative was finding out that both radiation and surgical treatments have a high chance of losing some or all of my hearing on that side permanently. Surgery is pretty rough, they basically remove a piece of the skull and go in behind the inner ear and spend several hours removing it trying to preserve the hearing nerve and facial nerve function. Recovery varies per person, but he said a few days in the hospital after surgery and 1-3 months recovery after that if everything goes good, longer if there are any complications.

On the bright side, I like the doc and he is really good. Took his time to explain everything in simple terms and answered all the questions I had without any rush. For now its more of the hurry up and wait game until February. Just glad there is at least a possibility I won't need any treatment, just monitoring. Keeping my fingers crossed for that!

This is crazy, a very close friend of mine had nearly exactly the same thing with him last year. It was on his right side. They did the operation with the same warnings and risks, though his was large enough that the doctor said it was very likely he would lose his hearing and he did.

He just had has yearly checkup about 3 weeks ago and it was clear and a huge relief for us all.

Scary I know, but I have no doubt you're in good hands. Good luck and please keep us posted buddy!

 

[BurninValves]

Hope all goes well!

 

[Doom!]

Glad you found a doc you like, that is a major hurdle, hope all goes well from here.

 

[Smilinbri]

Stay strong and positive. Sending good vibes your way!