CyberKnife::Patient Forum

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

I am a 27 year old Female diagnosed with Vegal Schwannoma

which is about 5 cm and it is from the vagus nerve sheath

is it possible to use the Cyber Knif for this? would the vegus nerve get damaged since its attached to the tumor?

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

Virtually all of these will be controlled with CK. Thus far, as far as I know, vagal nerve damage has not been reported.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 32

Gee, I didn't know these were getting so popular. At this rate we're going to need a new forum of it's own.
Vagus Nerve Schwannoma, 3.5 x 3.4 x 2.8cm...30Gy @Riverview CK May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1st, 2006 (5 of 5 completed). Dr. Nate Kaufman...NJ's award winning TOP DOC!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

Must be a freakin' epidemic

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

Is there anyone here who had CK treatment for their VEGAL SCHWANNOMA? PLEASE reply to me thank you

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Hey Sana,, glad to see you joined!!! :)

Rick up there has had the CK on his vagal schwannoma. I do have a question; How is it that the vagus nerve runs through the tumour? Is the tumour wrapped AROUND the nerve? To my knowledge, the tumour grows off of the vagus nerve via the outter pillow sacs that run along the vagus nerve. At one point, one of the sacs goes "crazy" and begins to grow outwardly "tumour" style. :)

That is how I am wondering how your vagus nerve was embedded in your schwannoma.

Any ideas on this Clinton or Rick? I am learning here too...

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

The tumor just grows around the nerve.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

So what Sana is saying is her tumour wrapped so tightly around the vagus nerve that it got embedded into the tumour. Is that correct Sana? I am just trying to understand. We are all here for support and educating ourselves more on this vagus nerve stuff.

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

I think it would be unusual to be able to separate the tumor from the nerve.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 32

My understanding, and please Dr. M, correct me if I'm wrong, is that the Schwann cells attach themselves to the nerve sheath, keep multiplying, causing an overgrowth in that area. As a surgeon explained it to me, think of it as a garden hose with a bulge in it. The easy way is to cut and remove the bulge and then splice the two cut ends back together...nice in theory...but the nerve ending paths won't be aligned...thus problems for the patient. So...it was common for many problems...swallowing, vocal paralysis, etc. So along comes this fancy CK stuff...and with the "Good Doctors" who run it...success...it stops growing and perhaps you might have some reduction of mass. Spares a lot of problems!

Vagus Nerve Schwannoma, 3.5 x 3.4 x 2.8cm...30Gy @Riverview CK May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1st, 2006 (5 of 5 completed). Dr. Nate Kaufman...NJ's award winning TOP DOC!

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Yeah, I have read that actually separating the nerve from the tumour is not the method. It's slicing off enough of the tumour from the nerve, while leaving some there so as to not jeaporadize the nerve.

CK still sounds like the method of choice when it comes to vagus "anythings". :)

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

Reasonably accurate. Schwann cells have a variety of functions, but one of them is to provide the insulating myelin around a nerve fiber. Thusthey are intimately asociated with the nerve fibers. The vagus nerve performs a lot of functions, including many associated with swallowing and speech. Therefore, if you cut it or severely damage it you can lose function in those areas.

Surgery gets rid of the mass, and may be necessary in some cases. More commonly, radiosurgery can be used with good effect, and with no further tumor growth. But the tumor does not go away.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Ricky...

I'm thinking I read somewhere that schwann cells are already on the nerve. Like little pillows. However, they start to grow rapidly and out of control...

Man,, I have to get my story straight,, it's off to google I go!!! in the mean time,,, any comments Dr. M.?? lol.. feeling I can call him that now... (then again, maybe not)

Right off the Press!!! just got this info...

"Schwann cells are cells that are part of the nervous system, which warps around a nerve fiber and forms the nerve-insulating layer"

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Ahhh , you beat me to it... Mr. C. (re-living Happy Days all over again :) )

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

yeah the way you said it is right

but the nerve looks as if its running all along side of the tumor in a way so attached to it and growing that its barely visible

therefor the question I have is that how can the CK preserve the nerve and cause no damage while its trying to get rid of the tumor?

can it tell the difference?

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

exactly that is true

considering the size of my tumor 5cm. I found it because it was pushing my left tonsil so much that my tonsill looked twice as big as the right side so u can just imagine that the nerve had no room but to be squished into the tumor itself.

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

my doctor did not agree to shave off the tumor off the nerve because the chances of it coming back are really high and its almost impossible since my tumor ran all the way to my skull base. The possiblity of it growing back and actually entering the fossa to your brain is just too risky so complete excision is always the safest way.

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

All CK's got to nerve school for several years, so...

Seriously, here is the difference. Nerve axons (think “wires”) do not contain the nucleus of the cell, which is the part containing the DNA, which is the thing that is damaged by radiation to cause cell death. THerefore, the tumor cells will be killed while the axons are spared.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 32

Dr. M, Is there any damage to the dendrites or are they also spared?
Vagus Nerve Schwannoma, 3.5 x 3.4 x 2.8cm...30Gy @Riverview CK May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1st, 2006 (5 of 5 completed). Dr. Nate Kaufman...NJ's award winning TOP DOC!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

THe dendrites are parts of the axons, and contain no nuclear material and therefore would likely not be damaged.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

Dear Dr

when the cells of the tumor die after the Ck, does it mean that the person is schwannoma free, is there no tumor to be seen after the recovery?

or its just shrunk in size?

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Ok, I just got in from crocodile rock... 3 dollar drinks alllll night. I have absolutely no space in my mind for thinking... what are dendrites????? :)

Hope you all had a good night too!!!!

btw... fukushima just got back to me..says he can operate on it.

what's your take on that..

if you need to privately email me... feel free... ilikepaws@hotmail.com

night night...xo

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

When you look at the pathology of a schwannomas most of what you see is extracellular material and is not living cells. Therefore, when you kill off the tumor cells the tumor mass does not go away, although it may shrink a little. Unless the mass size is causing significant difficulty, that is sufficient.

The decision on surgery versus radiosurgery is a no-brainer for me, unless there are significant enough symptoms just from having the mass that you need to have it out.

I can't figure out how to put a picture here, but if you Google schwannomas you can find images of the pathology

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 32

So Dr. M, if I understand what you are saying, it's CK to arrest the growth and live with what, if any symptoms you might have, or... resection and eliminate the mass, but possibly develop some of the undesirable after effects from the resection (swallowing difficulties, vocal issues, etc.) If so, seems to me it's a no brainer.
Vagus Nerve Schwannoma, 3.5 x 3.4 x 2.8cm...30Gy @Riverview CK May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1st, 2006 (5 of 5 completed). Dr. Nate Kaufman...NJ's award winning TOP DOC!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

I think you got it just about right.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Hey guys,,,

Here is my question... and I have been keeping up with the No Brainer method and very much agree. :)

However, if the schwannoma is approx 6 cm long, would it not be somewhat wise to resect at least half of it without causing damage to the nerve and then CK after that. I have also been told about that kind of treatment.

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

That is another option if surgery is needed.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

I just got pictures from pathology of my schwannoma I wish I could post it here, its a super clean cut and it brought up the question....

where the hell is the vegus nerve? I can not see any nerves in this....

can a doc here please take a look at this pic and tell me if they needed to disect the vegus nerve with this tumor?

PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION.... how big does the tumor have to be in order to have to cut the vegus nerve?

or how small the tumor has to be in order to be able to reconnect the vegus nerve after tumor removal???

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 10/19/2009
Posts: 8

Its too early to say if i am going to live my life misrable or not

I wish I knew about CK last month before my surgery

everyday waking up it takes about 2-3 hours to eat breakfast after choking 1000 times, I dont really talk to anyone on the phone or at home cuz it takes so much effort and they dont underestand what I say anyways. then comes the worst part... the worst acid reflux I can imagine. I have been looking to find someone with a snipped off vegus nerve right at the skull base but havent found no one yet?

Doctors here could you please tell me if you know of someone like me? is this going to get any better? is it possible to live a normal life without one vegus nerve?

and do I go ahead with the thyroplasty? if so what kind of implant material is the best and is my voice going to improve with this procedure.... I heard Id be awake during this one in order to talk and see how the voice is while doing the implant...

I am not ready for another damn surgery after having 4 and being in the hosp everyday for the past month

Hi There

I am diagnosed with Vagal Schwannoma which is about 5 cm I am a 27 year old Female and I was wondering is it possible to use the Cyber knif for this matter considering the size of this tumor, and if the vagus nerve is passing through the tumor is it possible to preserve it and save it while doing the cyber knif or would the nerve get damaged

thank you

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

Reconnecting the vagus nerve does not work that well, even if it can be done. We cannot tell from a pthology slide whether resection of the vagus nerve is necessary. It is not simply a size issue. I am not a surgeon, but I would guess that it is the exceptional case where the vagus can be spared and still get complete tumor resection.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

I would hope that things would improve for you. The body has an amazing ability to mend itself and find new ways of accomplishing functions.

There are various procedures for restoring the voice quality, and they usually involve stiffening the paralyzed vocal cord so that it comes closer to the midline, allowing the other cord to get closer to it. I would get a couple of opinions on the best method of accomplishing that. It is usually done under local anesthesia, at least here.

You might ask if doing a pyloroplasty to open the outlet from the stomach would help with the reflux problem. And I assume you are on a proton pump inhibitor.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 32

There is one thing I would like to add which likely applies to any and all of us. We must look out for ourselves and be our own patient advocate. Sadly, some parts of the medical community drop the ball in providing direction to alternative care/procedures which unfortunately is based on $ signs and convenience for the doctor. Further, I realize that resources can sometimes be limited while searching for the alternatives and that is where one will hopefully stumble upon forums and Googled articles which will help to educate the patient to make a more informed decision. The doctors on this forum are to be commended for their participation in providing fair and unbiased opinions and approaches in helping those of us suffering with these medical maladies. I haven't found this too often!!! Although we are sometimes faced with decisions that we had hoped we would not have to make, nonetheless, we've at least been given the information to hopefully make an informed decision. Like anything in life, there are limitations, be it technology, skill levels, education, procedures, whatever. But the bottom line is that we owe it to ourselves to keep looking for the alternatives for our problem. The aforementioned limitations are changing every day...do yourself a favor and stay current and above all...spread the word so others can benefit from what we learned. (Now jumping off the soapbox)

Vagus Nerve Schwannoma, 3.5 x 3.4 x 2.8cm...30Gy @Riverview CK May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1st, 2006 (5 of 5 completed). Dr. Nate Kaufman...NJ's award winning TOP DOC!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 141

Hi all, Phyl here from the ANA forums. Had to chime in with one question of my own for my very dear Dr M re: vagus nerve schwannoma and CK treatment as I've been following along with this for a little while.

Question, Dr. M... likes AN's, is there a "standard" or typical size of vagus nerve schwannoma that you would not radiate (much like AN's have a standard cut off size of approx 3cm). As petgroomer notes, if there is a standard cut off point for radiating a vagus nerve schwannoma, could a better approach for larger vagus nerve schwannomas be surgical "debulk" then radiate?

had to chime in... say hi to Rick , to Petgroomer and welcome to sana. Ok, I'll be quiet now!

Phyl

===============================================

1cm Acoustic Neuroma treated by CK at Beth Isreal Deaconess, Boston, MA 1st week of April 2006

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

We don't have a cut-off by size. It is always a question of weighing the relative risks of various approaches.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 141

well understood and noted. Thanks Dr. M!

Phyl

(Btw, bloke says hi!)

===============================================

1cm Acoustic Neuroma treated by CK at Beth Isreal Deaconess, Boston, MA 1st week of April 2006

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

I agree with Rick. You can generally rely on your doctor not to lie to you, but you can't always rely on them to know about or tell you about every alternative there may be.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Clinton, you hit it right on the head. We are all our own "specialists" but with "you" as a guide! :) I feel VERY fortunate to have found this site and the ana site with all of the people on them... support and knowledge at my fingertips. I'm not sure if you realize Clinton, but you are pretty much valued greatly on this site in my eyes. I see the posts you write and the advice you offer. Trust me, it is a life saver to many. Not to mention the humour Rick and yourself offer on the side. Sana, I am always thinking about you.. always. You are young and strong, and will recover!!! xo

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 8/17/2009
Posts: 7

Hi all. I've been reading your postings since, as some of you might remember, I also have a Vegal Schwannoma (3.5 mm x 2.8 mm). Mine is located very high at the scull base between brains and right ear. I saw 2 surgeons in Philly and New York. Both said that surgery is too dangerous and will most definitely has a lot of various complications. I undergone CK at the end of September of 2009. Before treatment I had constant strong headaches, noise in my ear. My right vocal cord is paralysed, so my voice is coarse and very quiet, especially after talking for extended period of time. I have difficulties swallowing hard food. Can eat anything I want, but slow.

It is already 5 weeks after my CK. Thought you might want to read my report. As of today: 1. I almost don't have headaches. 2. Did not miss a day of work. 3. Started my daily routine including gym. Instead of 4 times per week go only 2 times for now. Trying to avoid jumping (afraid it might cause a headache) and sauna. Somebody told me that overheating is not good for the tumor (Doctors, is it true?). 4. No changes for the better in my voice but I might do some treatment to improve it later. 5. Going to do MRI in January and hope for the best (knocking on the wood). So far, so good.

Thank you to everybody for support and information. It was very, very much appreciated!!!

Vegal Schwanoma, 3.5x2.8 mm, CK - September 2009, CK PHiladelphia

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

Sure sounds good so far! I don't think body temperature is important. It does not vary much with exercise

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 32

Hi Vera, Quite the improvement since we talked on the phone...I'm really glad things are looking up...keep that positive attitude and it'll only get better!. A big CK hug for you...way to go!!!
Vagus Nerve Schwannoma, 3.5 x 3.4 x 2.8cm...30Gy @Riverview CK May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1st, 2006 (5 of 5 completed). Dr. Nate Kaufman...NJ's award winning TOP DOC!

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Vera.. that is wonderful news! Of course it is going to get better week after week and so on. How is your swallowing and eating coming along? Was your vocal paralyzed BEFORE you even had the CK or were there complications from it? Keep up the recoup and get in that hottub with a glass of wine!!!

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

It is said that alcohol loosens tongues. Maybe it does the same for vocal cords.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Works for me!!!! My vocals are doing just awesome! Get my daily dosage :)

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 8/17/2009
Posts: 7

The vocal cord was affected before any treatment. That is what made me to see the ENT doctor in a first place. No changes in that area for now. I'll let you know the progress in January. Sana, wish you a fast and complete recovery. It will take a few months, but you are young and strong. You have a good chance.

Petgroomer, did you decide on a treatment? Will Canadian healthcare system cover you here?

Vegal Schwanoma, 3.5cm x 2.8cm, CK - September 2009 in CK Philadelphia

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

Hi Vera: Well, I am sitting fences here!!!! I have one doctor who says he wants to see me and can definately help me; he is a surgeon. His name is Takanori Fukushima. All other surgeons have said no way can they help me but Dr. F said he definately can. I also have a Dr. Chang who said he would do CK on me. I'm sitting fences as you can see. I have heard from many that I should get Dr. F. to resect it down and then get Dr. C. to CK it. I am still pretty non symptomatic so I feel no rush here. I am being sent for a 4 vascular angiogram of the neck head area that Dr. F has requested I should do. In the mean time, I have to come up with money for the consult with Dr. F and the airfare and stuff. My Ins Company here will not pay unless Dr. F can assure a good outcome for me and have it written up well for them to read. For the time being,, it's hot tubs and wine for me!!! lol

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

Your choice. But surgery can have devastating consequences.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 9/30/2009
Posts: 42

I have read that over and over again..... and seen/read about results that can back up what you are saying. Do you THINK maybe, Takanori is an exception when it comes to taking some of it out?? I have read so much on him that he seems top notch in his field.

5.60 cm X 4 cm vagal schwannoma and I'm losing control one millimetre at a time. Supposedly in-operable, but I beg to differ. www.allinonepetcare.com What I LOVE doing!

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2354

Why take some of it out? There is risk in that and the control rate with CK alone is approximately 95-98%.

Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 32

Rhonda, Having faced that same (similar) situation just over 3 years ago, I spent considerable time weighing the plusses and minuses of each procedure. I, like you now have, had 3 choices...wait and watch, surgery, and CK. You actually may have one additional option that I didn't have (it was never mentioned to me)...surgery and CK. Having considered those +'s and -'s, it became a real no-brainer for me. I do not reget my decision. A big plus for me was multi-fold...little down time, no in-hospital stays...no pain...little recoup time...wonderful doctor and staff with "true" concern for me...still have my voice...no swallowing problems...no hoarseness...no scars/disfigurement...and I'm sure there's a few more...just can't think of them now. Now, should something go wrong during or with the surgery, you are stuck with it. With CK, the non-invasive procedure, you may likely have it again if the problem resurfaces, and, if that didn't work (which it did for me), you can then likely have the surgery. And yes, I know every situation is different, but I'd do it again...in a heartbeat. In spite of my sometimes joking nature...I'm convinced this was the way for me. Just something to ponder...perhaps Buddy can expand for me. CK hugs!!!
Vagus Nerve Schwannoma, 3.5 x 3.4 x 2.8cm...30Gy @Riverview CK May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1st, 2006 (5 of 5 completed). Dr. Nate Kaufman...NJ's award winning TOP DOC!