Craniotomy is 2/21/2025. Could use some encouraging words.

You want an academic center. I was operated at UCLA, a slick tem. MG Anderson would be a good place to start. Mayos also has a talented staff.

The inside of the brain does not have pain causing nerves. The scalp is the issue. My surgeon used local anesthetic on the wound site at the start of surgery and repeated it as they closed. I have no fear of further surgery if it is needed. My surgery took 7.5 hours, so all about a surgeon who is n no hurry and works meticulously

I had stereotactic radiation which was supposed to zap the tumor preventing growth however here we are 5 years later and it has grown bigger. I have had severe dizziness and headaches that doctors continue to claim are not related. I never had these symptoms previously.

How is recovery going?

Where is USCF located, needing a second opinion

If you mean UCSF it's in San Francisco. (University of Calif., San Francisco) It's not downtown in the craziness of the city, but more of a residential area surrounds it. Stanford Neuro Center is about 40 minutes south of San Francisco. That would be another good option. Though UCSF is rated a bit higher in neurosurgery. If you fly into SFO (San Francisco Airport) taking an uber would be just about equal distance to either one. If you flew in through SJC (San Jose) it would be about the same 30 minute drive to Stanford. Second opinions are really important so I hope you find a neurosurgery department that is reputable and not too inconvenient.

Radmom: What recent scan did you have that shows it has grown since the stereotactic radiation? I had a CT scan in 2017 for chronic sinus issues, left sided forehead tenderness,
(it was suspected I had giant cell arteritis-something one doesn't want) blocked ear sensation, and intermittant double vision. The radiologist's report just said "chronic sinusitis." 5 years later a neurologist I consulted looked up the CT scan from 5 years prior and found a meningioma that had not been cited by the radiologist. Yes, I had "chronic sinusitis" but that was because of the presence of the uncited meningioma causing the inflammation. My point is, since the doctors keep telling you that the meningioma that was radiated is not causing your symptoms, perhaps there is another meningioma that is causing them. Probably not, but it did happen to me. Radiologists read a lot of scans and I can see how maybe something is overlooked. I've had one meningioma removed but have since found out I also have 2 others. If you develop one, for whatever reason, you're more inclined to develop others. Keep pushing for answers as I don't want you to suffer for 5 years like I did.

Thanks for your reply ! I’m in GA so that would definitely be difficult. I’m so conflicted!!

amazing: I'm voting for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, given that you live in Georgia. Wishing you the best in your pursuit of quality healthcare.

If you choose Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, be sure to ask if they accept your insurance. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN accepted my insurance, whereas Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville did not. I had my meningioma treated at Mayo in Rochester by proton therapy radiation treatment.