My rubbish (benign) 'brain' tumour

[22]

Short version is I have a Vesticular Schwannoma. A benign tumour that impacts hearing and balance, probably (& hopefully) not much beyond.

Long version is I lost my hearing aids for the umpteenth time, thankfully NHS so I just pay the idiot tax. While getting my new set, the audiologist said I should probably get a new test as been 4 years. Arranged promptly.

"Slightly concerning" considerable deterioration in one ear, referred for an MRI. Appt came in a few days for a couple of days later so I added myself to the slightly concerned list. They said I'd hear within 2 weeks.

3 weeks came so I'm more relaxed, but with a holiday planned (now on the beach) I thought I'd better follow up in case was anything for insurance. Audiology said I had been referred to ENT so a little bit of calling around (everyone super helpful) to find out who and spoke to a nice doctor who said I have a Vesticular Schwannoma. By chance she was going to get in touch the same day.

It's a benign tumour on the nerve to my ear. She said for ~1 in 3 people it never grows, but possibly has in my case with the deteriorating hearing. Of those, another 1 in 3 need an intervention either surgical or "x-ray" (guessing a softer word for radiotherapy). The people who need interventions may need more later. Unchecked they can lead to fluid on the brain.

Referred to Oxford (about an hour) but that's as far as we've got. I guess better knowing I have something even if it's just monitored as necessary. My wife is already under an Oxford consultant for cancer shenanigans (I presume I'll be JR and she's Churchill).

It cost me an extra £40 on the travel insurance. The lads at work already refer to it as Tumour Thurman and I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. It's a pretty rubbish 'brain tumour' all things considered.

[dundarach]

Tell them they think it's a parasitic twin

Also, take care and all that ste OP!!

[ucb]

The 'X-ray' portion of treatment referred to is more likely to be gamma knife than traditional radiotherapy with X-rays.
The surgical removal of a Vest Schwannoma is long (6hours or longer), involved procedure with a myriad of possible complications. Its not an easy option.
Good luck OP

[22]

Back on the slightly concerned list Thanks for the insight.

There'll be a letter waiting for me when I'm back from holiday and i'll learn more with my referral. Have a few weeks before another holiday (because life's too short), so hopefully timings work out.

Will update the thread.

ucb said:

The 'X-ray' portion of treatment referred to is more likely to be gamma knife than traditional radiotherapy with X-rays.
The surgical removal of a Vest Schwannoma is long (6hours or longer), involved procedure with a myriad of possible complications. Its not an easy option.
Good luck OP