Hello. I'm sorry to hear that your loved one is faced with this decision. Can you give more information such as where the tumor is located and how big it is? I can tell you that I was told by two different doctors that my brain tumor was inoperable because of where it was located. They both suggested that we just monitor the tumor. It was at that point that i sought out a third opinion at Mayo clinic and I thank God that I did. I had my first appointment on December 28th 2016 and had brain surgery December 30th 2016. They were able to safely remove my tumor plus a large margin around it. They ended up taking half of my temporal lobe. I was discharged home 48 hours after surgery and was back to full time doctoral classes 11 days later. I cannot speak highly enough about Mayo clinic. If mayo clinic is suggesting surgery to remove this tumor then I absolutely think that is the best option. These low grade tumors can change into high grade tumors so they need to be removed asap. If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out to me xoxo I know first hand how difficult this is, but there is hope.