| Posted by Al , Aug 10,2001,18:02 | Post Reply | Top of Thread | Forum |
After receiving verification (second opinion & third opinions), my 2nd & 3rd neurosurgeons recommended a Functional MRI and an awake surgery. Reason: I am left handed and we had worries about motor, sensory, and even speech were very close to the 2.5 cm tumor.
I had a only single symptom, focal seizure on my cheek and side of tongue. That day I was worried that it was a stroke. silly ol' me.
Outcome: I did the Functional MRI and awake surgery. The fMRI was a fancy MRI that permitted the surgeons a preliminary outline of where your motor zones: like hand, tongue, and even speech areas are located. With this info they did an awake surgery to perform accurate brain mapping. Please note: Not every hospital can do this type of surgery. My first Dr. did not even tell me about these options!. Thankfully, they were able to get a complete resection and I am now on the frequent(3,6,12month) MRI program.
Take Home message: get second and third opinions. My first Dr wanted to go right in and 'debulk'. This could have been very dangerous for me, especially after the fMRI test and results. REMEMBER BRAIN SURGERY IS A DELICATE OPERATION that with the proper homework & surgeons can be handled quite successfully.
I wish you luck and email me to go over our war stories. Sincerely, Al
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