Brain / CNS Tumors Support Group

Has anyone had a loved one diagnosed with a 7th cranial nerve schwannoma? Originally my husband was diagnosed in October with a vestibular neuroma. In February when the surgeons went in to remove, they discovered the it was a 7th cranial nerve schwannoma and was wrapped around his facial nerves. Had they removed it his face would have been paralyzed with the hopes of restoring approximately 50% of usage with a second surgery and it would take at least a year of intensive therapy to get that 50% usage. Our other option, which we took was for them to stop the surgery, wait for the surgical site to heal, and the brain to stop swelling to start radiation. He then went through radiation and that is when the real hell began. His personality completely changed, he ended up on decadron, and most recently was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and had to have a shunt put in. It would be really nice to chat with someone who can connect with any of these experiences.
Posted on 09/23/09, 01:09 pm