Follow-up MRI Update – No Tumor Growth & What’s Next
Back in December 2023, I received a diagnosis that changed my world: an acoustic neuroma. That day felt like a whirlwind of emotions, from disbelief to concern about what the future would hold. Fast forward to May 2024, I found myself back in the MRI machine, waiting to learn what, if anything, had changed.
The Results Are In
I’m relieved to say the outcome of the follow-up MRI showed no sign of tumor growth. It’s hard to describe the feeling — a mix of joy, relief, and cautious optimism. After months of waiting and dealing with constant tinnitus in my right ear, this news felt like a small victory in what could be a long journey.
Hearing “no growth” was like a weight being lifted off my shoulders, even if only temporarily. It meant that, for now, my situation remained stable, and I could continue living life without needing immediate interventions. There’s still the reality that my acoustic neuroma could grow in the future, but for the moment, I’m just grateful for the reprieve.
Staying on the “Wait and Monitor” Plan
While there was no growth, I’m still on the wait-and-monitor list, with my next MRI scheduled for May 2025. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s comforting to know that I don’t need surgery or any invasive treatments right now. On the other, it’s a little nerve-wracking knowing that each scan brings the possibility of change.
But I’m choosing to focus on the positives. The absence of growth is the best news I could have hoped for this year, and it gives me another 12 months to live fully and prepare mentally for whatever may come next.
Moving Forward
With this latest scan behind me, I’m shifting my focus back to the things I love — my daily Peloton sessions, paddleboarding, and continuing to find balance between work, health, and life’s adventures. Knowing that my condition hasn’t worsened gives me the peace of mind to keep pushing forward, without that constant shadow of “what if.”
I’m also incredibly thankful for the support system around me. From family to friends and my community, their encouragement has been everything. If you’re dealing with a diagnosis of your own, my biggest advice is to lean into the people who care about you. They help make the waiting, the scans, and the uncertainty so much easier to bear.
For now, I’m back to the usual routine — work, hobbies, travel, and all the little moments in between. I’ll continue to listen to my body and take each day as it comes. And when May 2025 rolls around, I’ll step back into that MRI machine, knowing I’ve done everything I can to stay strong, both physically and mentally.
Thanks for following along on this journey with me. Here’s to another year of living fully and embracing every moment.
