Hello all - today we'd like to present our 18th case study, this one a lady and friend of the Schwannoma Survivors page, who goes only by the name Linda (no other personal details) She took the time to sit down and describe her experience with a Deep Peroneal Nerve Schwannoma. As we seek to get stories from people who have had as many different kinds of Schwannoma as possible - we thank her sincerely for taking the time to do this case study for us, and we hope you find it useful! - Neil
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1) How old were you at the time of your diagnosis?
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1) How old were you at the time of your diagnosis?
I was 50 when the
tumor was found.
2) Do you have any history of Schwannomas in your family?
No.
3) Where was your Schwannoma located? And what were the symptoms that lead to your diagnosis?
I had two schwannomas on the deep peroneal nerve of my left
leg. Symptoms were similar to sciatica-foot
pain, pins and needles feelings that became increasingly bothersome. The pain
was especially bad at night. I am a
distance runner and attributed the pain to activity for quite some time (about
2.5 years-maybe more). During that time
I had done PT for sciatica/piriformis syndrome etc. but this never resolved the
pain. However, as the pain intensified
to a point where I realized this can’t possibly be just be from running, I
sought treatment from a local orthopedic practice where I mentioned the ongoing
and intensifying pain and a palpable “lump” at my ankle. Initially, this “lump” was thought to be
nothing but doc said “we should check it out” and sent me for an
ultrasound. The ultrasound that was done
to investigate the “lump” lead to the discovery of two possible schwannomas,
one near the ankle as well as a larger one deeper within the peroneal nerve. Soon
after the ultrasound, I had an MRI of the lower leg confirming the ultrasound
findings.
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?
I was referred to an orthopedic oncologist at Rush University
in Chicago for surgical removal of the Schwannomas. Tumor 1 stats: Mass, distal
left leg;1.2 x 0.9 x 0.8 cm. Tumor 2 stats: Mass, proximal left leg; 2.3 x
1.4 x 1.2 cm. Both were removed during
the same outpatient surgery. Both confirmed as benign schwannomas from pathology. Surgery went very well. I took it easy for about 5 days then started
to resume most activities. I was back to
working from home 2 days post surgery. It is now 3 weeks post surgery and I am still
feeling terrific. I have no ongoing pain
and I am sleeping like a baby for the first time in a couple of years. I would
consider the surgery very much a success. It was truly life-changing for the positive for
me and I am grateful to my care team.
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?
Ask about experience with these types of tumors, ask about
pathology, post care and recovery expectations. Get a clear understanding of risks.
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)
Yes, I feel I’ve made
a positive recovery. I think the location and size of the tumors made the
recovery easier than most since they were accessible with minimal invasion or
proximity to other organs and I’m in generally very good health overall
(outside of these pesky tumor things).
*I did have another
rare tumor removed in 2008. I had a confirmed phyllodes tumor (cystosarcoma
phyllodes) of the breast. It was also benign and is not thought to be related
to the schwannomas.
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)
Yes. I haven’t tried running yet but I will be starting soon (slowly)
and plan to do a sprint triathlon in August with a modest goal of simply
crossing the finish line before the clean-up crew completes their work.
