Hi Everyone. I'm new here. Just found out I have 6 brain tumors.
I noticed vision loss in my left eye (blurry vision and color vision loss) in April and it was thought to be optic neuritis. I didn't have a good insurance at the time so I decided to wait on the MRI until I get better insurance. I had no other symptoms besides the vision loss. Beginning in July, started to have headaches in the same place (back left side) and vision in left eye has decreased. MRI on 8/25 shows multiple meningiomas.
The largest meningioma is 1.9 cm and it's wrapped around my left optic nerve. Doctors think the meningiomas are benign from the way it looks but cannot be sure unless surgery is done. Also unsure how fast the meningiomas are growing because there is nothing to compare to as no prior MRIs were done.
I've discussed radiation treatment possibilities with the radiation oncologist and my appointment with the neurosurgeon is tomorrow. Right now, they are not looking to treat the other meningiomas, only the biggest one pressing on the optic nerve.
Doctors have ordered MRI of the spine to make sure I don't have meningiomas there as well. I am also scheduled to meet with a geneticist. I have no knowledge of a history of this in my family. My dad had meningitis as a child, diabetes as an adult, and passed away from colon cancer at 54. My mom had a benign tumor in her uterus which was removed when she was around 50.
I haven't been exposed to any more radiation than the average person and have always been in good overall health. I'm 34 years old and I'm so scared. I've never experienced anything like this before. I'm trying my best to stay positive but I'm terrified.
Hi, I am sorry to hear about your situation but don't get discouraged or terrified. I have also one M growing around my left optical nerve. The first signs were like yours, black eye and less vision in that eye. However, I had surgery in 2012 and now my vision is almost back to normal. I do not need glasses for driving only reading. By the way, nobody in my family (as far as I know) had such a brain tumor and I am otherwise a very healthy person. Again, it's difficult but please stay positive...it will help you overall and in making decision, etc. All the very best to you....