Acoustic Neuroma 1.0cm, 08-12-09

My name is Bob Chatterson. I had a 1.0 cm acoustic neuroma brain tumor removed at St Vincents Medical Center (Los Angeles) on August 12th, 2009. This is my story as I cope with the surgical removal of a brain tumor. Like others who have posted videos it is my hope that this video will help other people facing similar circumstances.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Acoustic
• Neuroma;
• Brain
• Tumor;
• Vestibular
• Schwannoma;
• Tumor
• acoustic;
• Cerebellopontine
• angle
• tumor;

[bobchatt1]

Thanks for the note Rob.

It's comforting to know that there are others out there like us. I suspect that there are many people out there that have had successful AN surgeries.

I now proudly wear my BAHA sound processor (a game changer for me at work!). I am tumor free ... 2 years post op...my balance is good. Like you - I can't find a ringing cell phone if my life depended on it! ... and .... I have to do a 360 spin when someone calls my name! :) it's all good!

[wolfdale00]

Thanks for sharing your story. When you did an MRI, was it with contrast?

[bobchatt1]

@wolfdale00

My pleasure! I've had 2 MRI's now. Both of them (June '09 and Aug '11) used a Galadium contrasting agent. The good news is....is that my 2 year follow-up MRI is clean.

Bob

[mcproptart]

Dear Bob,

Thank you much for posting this video. I am in the deciding phase. Last year the AN was small to medium at 1.5cm. I go in tomorrow to get the MRI results for this year to see the rate of growth. Your video has illuminated for me some things that have been happening which I disregarded before, but now seem relevant to bring up to the doctor. Thanks again, and I am so glad for you that your recovery is going well! --j

[bobchatt1]

@mcproptart

You are very welcome! I am now almost 2 years post surgery....and am feeling great. I have also just started riding my bike again (had a bad blackout experience on my bike early on). I will also be seeing my doctor soon to review my 2 year post op MRI to make sure everything is OK.

Best wishes to you .. please keep me/us posted.

Bob

[bobchatt1]

I recommend you call HEC...and ask for a phone consultation with Dr. Brackman.  The surgery is expensive... but hopefully you have good medical insurance. People come from all over the world to see the doctors at HEC. All of their procedures/operations are performed across the street at St Vincents Medical Center. Also, there are 3 surgical options available (that I'm aware of) ... 2 of which attempt to preserve remaining hearing. You need to talk to a doctor at HEC.

Good luck to you! Bob

[rwolfhaus]

Thanks for the response! I have the Baha as well, but I'm really poor at wearing it! I seems... tiring the right word? You're giving me incentive to dust it off and give it another go! Best Regards!

[rwolfhaus]

Hi Bob! Just stumbled onto your video. We have remarkably similar stories. Would guess we are about the age. Had my acoustic neuroma surgery 4/09 @ Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. What struck me was the emotion in your voice for I know how exactly how you felt. Issues w/ SSD, family & work support, etc...it could of been me in your vid! Feel extremely lucky as well for it could of been worse...though I do dearly miss stereo music! & cannot find a ringing cell phone! Take Care! Rob

[starbase947]

@bobchatt1

Thanks Bob,

you seem such a nice and cool person. your peace of mind is very relaxing.

live long and prosper!!

and of course, i wish this to anyone, be well and drive safely.

:-)

[starbase947]

watched this movie, all the way from Israel. i am 37, with 11x14x17 mm, on my right ear. seen all possible doctors and still does know what to do. beside partial hearing loss, i have nothing else. i can still hear on my right ear, and discriminate speech. but my main focus is to preserve the hearing. no matter what, i still want to preserve it. went to see HEC web site. i am wondering how much does it cost to take the surgery over there. how can i contact Dr. Brackkman?