Like so many here at HW who are dealing with multiple issues, I am facing another tumor surgery not related to PCa.
In 2002, doctors dicovered a "schwannoma" (non-malignant nerve sheath tumor) in my upper chest. It was then the size of a tennis ball, located about where my right collar bone and spine intersect (inside the rib cage). Bad location. Since it was causing little problems, my oncologist said we would watch it and try to "live with it". That sounded good to me.
Unfortunately, even though it is non-malignant, it grows about 5% a year in size. A recent MRI revealed it is now 8 cm in diameter (about the size of a baseball). More troubling is that it has constricted my right aorta and bronchus 50%. Yikes! (My wife says that explains a lot!) 
So back to the OR I go on November 17 for major thoracic surgery. Rather than split the breatbone, they are going in through my ribs under the right arm.Same hospital where I had RRP in September 2008, so I know the drill. I'll let you know how things turn out.
I thank all of you for the wonderful support and encouragement you were and continue to be to me. I don't post much anyome, but lurk almost daily to check in on my brothers and their loved ones.
Bless you, everyone.
Bill in San Diego