Choosing how to handle a regrowth of a meningioma gamma knife/surgery

I had surgery because of the size and location of the tumor. I can't speak to your situation, but if you can do the GK again, isn't it preferable to surgery?

Surgery is invasive, GK is walk in and out same day. I believe GK will be my choice, just wish the tumors would stop - it’s not like I have a welcome sign on my forehead. I remain positive, say a prayer, hope for the best and realize there are many people who are suffering and consider myself very fortunate.🙏🤞👍

Hello @broncosport1 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I completely see your dilemma and empathize with your needing to choose. Ultimately, like you said, both are options for you now.

I'd like to bring in members @rsfcowgirl @purpleturtle and @jmb73 who may be able to share more with you on their treatment options.

For me, personally, a less invasive treatment option that allows for the same outcome would seem attractive, provided surgery would be an option down the road should you need it. I am curious, does your doctor feel one is better than the other given your specific location, etc.?

Many prayers to you @broncosport1
I’m new to this and also have a meningioma that’s over 2cm and, well, I wish mine were in a better location. Anyone deal with Meckel’s cave area? I had a CT done 5 years ago and my head was clear. Last august I had an MRI done, and this tumor was discovered. We are in the wait and watch stage right now. It hadn’t grown since august back in December. I go back to MDAnderson in June for more imaging. Experiencing mood and personality changes and major depression, exhaustion. I have been dizzy with headaches as well. I’m curious as to how you did post Gamma knife and also, can that shrink the tumor? My doctors mentioned it would just stop it from growing but it can’t shrink the tumor. I just want this out of me. I keep reminding myself that I’m blessed it’s either a meningioma or a trigeminal schwannoma and not a malignant tumor. Thank God. I cannot even imagine. Many prayers to all. Many.

Hi. You're pretty fortunate to have choices.
First, the location of the tumor would be helpful to know in responding to you. I would take that into serious consideration in making any decision.
One of the big benefits of targeted radiation is less down time after treatment. You have the radiation+ you go home But there are some possible residual side effects after too. Surgery is a different scenario with different risks +post op problems arising from just being in a hospital. There's a longer recovery time from surgery.
Other issues to help you decide are financial. Will you have to pay significantly more money for one treatment over another?
Take your time in deciding. Take all the time you need before settling into a comfortable decision.
The good news is that you have choices and the outcome is expected to be good.
Let us know what you finally choose.
Blessings

Thank you for your message. Mine is in Meckel’s cave/cavernous sinus. We are in the wait and watch stage. I did gather some discs from 4 years ago when I thought I was having a stroke and the tumor was not there. So in 4 years, it grew to 2cm…slow growing tumor. I love my team of doctors at MDA in Houston. They’ve taken the very conservative route and so I just need to cope with the anxiety of it all and the side effects from having a tumor. Some days are tough mentally. Not gonna lie. Real tough. Energy is low. And sleeping is hard so I’ve been seeing specialists for that. Just curious if anyone on here had heard of that area of tumor…many thoughts and prayers to each of you.

I had gamma knife done on three different areas 9 yrs ago and have had No Regrowth issues. Personally, if gamma knife or any non-invasive procedure is an option, I would choose it. Just continue to have the follow-up MRI’s to monitor for any issues. Good luck!

I have chosen gamma 🤞my area is frontal and there are possible side effects with eyesight/pituitary issues/smell & taste.
My appointment is set for 3/13 & 14 - MRI - brain mapping and mask day 1 and radiation is day two. I’m remaining positive as can be - stress has never helped, now if they could get rid of that with this treatment that’d benefit everyone on earth and there’d be a huge lineup at the door.
I’ll be back to post my results. Thanks for the reach out👍

Sounds great on the decision. Your attitude is perfect too. I'll be praying for you. Looking forward to hearing from you with updates.

I did have surgery in 2019 for size and symptoms. Came out of that lengthy procedure with no side effects other then my left eyelid area and pupil are a tad different but not noticeable.
I had new meningiomas grow a year after surgery and it was 3 total so I’ve had 5 sessions of gamma for those and the following year a new one came and I had another gamma session. This is one of the group of 3 that has decided to regrow and this means he’s getting more radiation.
I have MRI’s every 6 mos. They watch for new growths and keep a constant watch on the previous ones that got gamma knife done.
I am extremely fortunate for having had positive experiences with both surgery and gamma knife but it has taken a toll on me trying to keep myself positive, but I’m not known to ever give up on anything so I pray, stay healthy and move forward.