I had meningioma surgery in May of 2024. It was located next to my brain stem and inter ear. I saw both before and after mri’s.
I was in ICU for 3 days then a room for 2 days. I could not go home until I had a MRI. They shaved my hair but it was the under hair. You never could tell I had surgery. I was placed on my right side because my tumor was on the left. My head was placed in a vise and a tube inserted down throat. They did a vertical incision to remove the tumor. It was the size of my thumb from my nail to first knuckle. My neurosurgeon said he removed a piece of skull. I had asked him not to loose it. He put 4 tiny screws and lots of glue when he was finished. He stopped in to see me everyday. Food was very bland in hospital that was ok because I really was not hungry. Before surgery I had to walk with a cane because I felt off balance. Not dizzy. The cane helped me walk in a straight line. That was why they requested a MRI and discovered the tumor. I still walk with a cane if I walk for any distance. Around home I do not need it. I coughed a lot after surgery especially when trying to eat. But that could have been just me and not a complication from the surgery. I go tomorrow for a MRI. I wish you well for your upcoming surgery.