Gamma knife was done, but now I was told I needed surgery

[eloridas]

Periodically I returned here for the wonderful advise you have given me.  I am returning here again--due too the tumor that I have (pontine cistern/upper margine of the cerebellopontine angle), so far has NOT stopped growing.  Last MRI was 4/1/03 and I will have another MRI 10/03--now being told I need surgery--and timing its the issue.  It involves 5th & 8th cranial nerves and pushing on the sac around the brainstem--Now, the MRI in April, shows it pushing against the brainstem and involves the 5th & 8th along with the 4th, 6th & 7th.  Have alot of symptoms: lost the feeling in my face--except periods of extreme pain about a year ago, have been having balance issues about 9 mths prior too dx of tumor (MRI-6/02), my hearing is also starting too worsen, eye movement is a big issue and also have periods of paralisis on side of tumor.  Told by 1st neuro-otologist, surgery was the key--and wanted too set it up.  The 2nd neuro-otologist wanted me too see the neurosurgeon 1st because I am symptomatic--he told me that because of the gamma knife procedure that the neruo-otologist that sent me too him does not do surgery after the gamma knife (procedure-11/02).  I was told by the gamma knife ctr--specifically asked about this, it could be done.  This is one of my questions--2nd one is that you had given me a LONG list of doctors too contact at Cleveland Clinic--but when ready too contact them--could not find the link.  No biopsie-grade 2per image reports, surgeons agree.  
MRI's:
6/02-1.4 CM, 11/02-1.6 CM, 1/03-1.8 CM, 4/03-2.0 CM
Thank you, eLorida

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

I am not sure exactly what your first question is. If your are asking about the ability to have surgery after gamma knife treatment, yes your can. Also, you could have gamma knife after surgery.

To contact one of our neurosurgeons regarding your case, go to the following web site:

www.clevelandclinic.org/neuroscience/treat/brain

or call:
[phone]

Good luck.

[eloridas]

Sorry-- the paralisis is on the side of my face (very scarey when you suddenly can not chew or swallow)--that the tumor is on and after asking ALOT of questions like if I could have surgery or biopsie after the gamma knife procedure--which I was told yes--I am now being told it is an issue.  Also being told the longer I wait the worse the outcome--but also I WILL have alot of deficits if I have the surgery now.  This has been the MOST info I have gotten from any of the doctors that have seen the tumor.  It is hard too make decissions with so MUCH LACK of information.  Still do not know what too expect and what all these deficits will be.  My little boy--who has cri du chat syngrone--and has been through the mill himself: open heart surgery, severe seizure disorder, etc. will have an MRI on Monday too show if his mass posterior too his sphenoid sinus has grown (still hoping it is a hemanigoma--but hte neurosurgeon tha saw it gave me the option of biopsie or MRI, choose the MRI due too bleedin disorder and also was told a neurosurgeon would never suggest a biopsie if he thought it was a hemangioma).