I didn't want to wait so I had surgery 4 years ago when I was 66yrs old. I had 2 tumors and 1 was 3 - 5 cm and the other smaller but in a very difficult area to remove. The one in the frontal area was 5 cm and removed, the one on my optic nerve is still there and will not ever be removed. I had proton radiation for 28 days in the hopes that it would stunt it from growing anymore. I had MRI's every 6 months until this January. Now they have not seen and change for 4 years and will only do MRI's once a year, unless I experiece and symtoms that would suggest need to check on the tumor. I was scared to death about surgery but I knew I would not be satisfied with myself living with all my symtoms for the rest of my life. They would keep me from doing all the things I enjoy for my life. The surgery was a partial success and I'm good with it. My symtoms are minnial. I still have headaches and recovery took longer than I was expecting, 2.5 months but I returned to all my activities. I run 3 miles several times a week, stair climber couple times a week and play golf 3 times a week. Yoga is a release once or twice a week. But the best part is I'm able to spend time with my grandkids and play golf with them and go to all the sporting activities. I can enjoy my family and appreciate the time I have with friends and family until something changes. Life is good and the risk of surgery was nothing to the reward of life I have received with its results. Mayo handles all of my medical because I am fortunate to live in AZ and we are only an hour away from the hospital. Dr Zimmerman is my surgeon and I have confidence in him and all the care givers at Mayo. I have used many of them over the last 17yrs. This isn't my only health issue but I was one of the biggest. As a team they are most knowledgable doctors and up to date treatments they are on the cutting edge. I can't thank enough. Good luck to you and I hope you feel comfortable with whatever you doctors tell you and you can make a decission you are comfortable with for your future.

Hello - sorry to hear about your situation. I had a benign meningioma successfully removed 2.5 yrs. ago. Before I decided to have the surgery , I interviewed 3 NS and checkked their medical reputation with the NS certifying association before I chose the NS who did the surgery. So do get another opinion