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1) How old
were you at the time of your diagnosis?
36.
However, I was wrongly
diagnosed after an ultrasound at the age of 32 with "just a
cyst". I was told removal would be cosmetic.
2) Do you have
any history of Schwannomas in your family?
None known.
3) Where
was your Schwannoma located? And what were the symptoms that lead to your
diagnosis?
My schwannoma was
located on the inside bend of my left elbow. Attached to the median nerve. I
had no symptoms but the lump was growing to a noticeable size, so I
decided to seek treatment.
4) Could
you describe, in whatever detail possible, what kind of surgical treatment was
performed on your Schwannoma, and if you would consider it successful? (Or
describe what you may know about the surgery that may yet be performed, if you
haven't been operated on yet)
I consider myself very
lucky to have had a schwannoma on my arm. Since I was told initially it was a
cyst I sought treatment in the wrong place. A surgical dermatologist attempted
removal with local anesthesia and realized it was not a cyst, it was in fact a
nerve tumor. He took a punch biopsy which revealed that it was in fact a
Schwannoma. He then sent me to an arm surgeon.
I had a
wonderful surgeon who was able to perform the surgery while I was
awake. The anesthesiologist administered what is called a Bier block.
Circulation is cut off to your arm and an IV is inserted into the hand which
pools the numbing meds into the arm. The procedure took 90 minutes and as soon
as the meds wore off we were able to determine if I had any nerve damage. Due
to the location of my tumor I could have lost feeling and/or function in three
out of five fingers. Fortunately, with the careful hand of my surgeon, I had no
nerve damage and had full function and feeling in all of my fingers right
away. I am about 6 months post-surgery now and other than the incision site being
a little sensitive, I have no residual effects from the tumor or surgery.
5) Having
gone through the experience, what do you think are the most critical questions
for someone to ask their doctor about surgery and treatment of this kind of
schwannoma?
Be sure you are aware
of and prepared for all possible outcomes before entering surgery. Make sure
you choose a doctor who has previous experience with schwannomas.
6) Can you
describe what the recovery process was like for you – if you feel you
have made a positive recovery…and what things you have done that have been of
most help to you? (Also, you are free to describe what doctors tell you
to expect from your recovery if you haven't been in surgery yet)
Since meeting so
many people with spinal cord schwannomas, I really feel fortunate to have had
mine on my arm. My recovery was so fast and I had no restrictions after the
first week or two post surgery. Six months later, I don't have a single symptom
or restriction.
7) Are you able
to do all or most the things you did before? (Also feel free to describe your
abilities even if you are still living with the tumor or tumors)
I am able to fully use
my arm and do everything I did before I had the schwannoma removed. I feel very
fortunate.
