@loujo: I am so sorry that you are having to sort through all of this alone. I remember how troubling it was for me when I was diagnosed with a meningioma 3 years ago. The neurologist I consulted, I count him as my first opinion, scheduled me for a follow up MRI in 6 months. Given that the first neuro doc you consulted suggested an MRI follow up in a year, and the second surgeon is trying to schedule surgery in about 2 weeks, I think a 6 month follow up is a reasonable compromise. I, too, was advised about a possible growth spurt, but that never happened. Given that the usual growth rate is about 1 millimeter a year it is likely your meningioma will remain stable. I took that six months in between diagnosis and surgery to educate myself and get used to the idea of it all. But, on the flip side of the coin, I agree with the second neuro doctor who is recommending surgery to remove it. The meningioma will continue its slow growth toward your optic nerve and once it gets too close it will be difficult, and perhaps impossible, to remove it. Also, do you really want to have surgery during the holidays, in 6 months? You might suggest to the second neurosurgeon you saw that the second week in June is too soon for you to get ready for the surgery and ask to postpone it for a few months. As for the craniotomy itself, my recovery was not difficult. It was much easier than a hysterectomy I had years ago when I was young, in my 40s. The issue with recovery is that it would be great if you had a support person when you were discharged. Perhaps your insurance pays for home health care for a certain period after surgery. Otherwise, you might consider paying out of pocket for a certified medical assistant to help with your after care for a few weeks. At the very least, I hope you have a good friend or neighbor who would stop by each day to check up on you. Even if a neighbor is someone you're not particularly close to you'd be surprised how people will step up to help one another during such situations.