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Right temporal dual axial mengionoma: Wait & See vs Radiation?
I have Waldenstroms under control. Was having pressure on right back side of head mostly in mornings and when I lay on right side. Oncologist suggested radiation . Neurologist did second scan three weeks later and because it’s same size for now suggested wait and seen not comfortable with that because if my cancer doesn’t stay checked I may not be able to do anything about the tumor in gutter. Any suggestions? I see oncologist Monday and neurologist Wed..
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You said your meningioma is small. The typical growth rate is about 1/8th inch a year. I have an 8 mm. meningioma and after putting two and two together I am pretty sure my neurosurgeon's game plan is that by the time the 8 mm meningioma grows to the point where it is causing problems I probably will have passed on from something else anyway. Personally, I think radiation to the brain is a big deal. You should scroll back and read posts from others who have gone through it. It seems to me the biggest side effect is fatigue. Are you already experiencing that with the Waldenstoms? If so, would you be willing to load on more fatigue? It seems to me the key would be the likelihood of the Waldenstroms rearing its ugly head and preventing you from dealing with the meningioma. The oncologist would have the answer to that. Also, is the pressure you say you experience in the morning something that is so uncomfortable that you need to take a pain medicine? My non-medical opinion would be if the meningioma is small, and not really causing you an all-day headache that can't be controlled with over the counter pain meds, and the oncologist thinks the Waldenstroms is stable for the long term, I'd go with watch-and-wait as your neurologist suggested.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for your insight. It meant a lot. I will share this with my doctors this week. Your opinion seems right on point.
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1 Reaction@zeedee1, how did the discussions go with your doctors? What was decided?
No decision yet. Going to do a nerve block in January , a skull series then another mri in February. Hate the waiting.
@mkoch my neurosurgeon feels the same way that we should wait and watch. If you don't mind me asking how old are you. Iam 78
My meningioma is 2.3x2.2x2.3
@zeedee1
@doyel: No problem, I'm 73. Had a craniotomy 2 years ago for a meningioma that was 2.7 cm. The location of the one I had removed was going to compromise my vision. So far no symptoms from the other two taking up real estate in my brain. I mentioned before on a prior post that I think my neurosurgeon's game plan is by the time the other two might rear their ugly heads and cause symtoms he thinks "something else will get me first," is how my neurologist phrased it upon hearing about the neurosurgeon's watch-and-wait protocol. So many factors play into the decision of watch-and-wait, radiation, or resection: our age, location in one's brain, whether we're having symptoms. My best advice is always to get a second opinion but then finally come to terms with the fact that the neurosurgeon you have decided to trust has seriously weighed those factors in his determination and go with that. I always find what I call the transition zone the worst; the time from diagnosis until what protocol is decided upon. Once I do my research and consultations and have a plan my stress level goes way down.
You're right once you have been diagnosed your stress level does go down. It's just waiting that 6 months until you have another MRI to see if it is growing. Iam glad you are doing well
I took up real-estate when I was 65 and just loved it. Never to old to do something new. God's blessings
I miss read your post about the real estate part
It is early Sunday morning and my mind is going a million miles an hour. I should read a little slower LOL