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

Posted by broncosport1 @broncosport1, Feb 15, 2023

Original larger meningioma removed surgically 2019 - smaller tumors have grown since (4) and they have been removed by gamma knife. Now a previous growth is beginning to grow again and I’m given a choice to get it taken care of by gamma again or surgery. I’m confident in both docs and their abilities. With any choice there are “possibilities” of side effects/recovery. The area having been radiated previously makes me a bit more worried - not that surgery isn’t worrying - has anyone faced this, what did you choose and how was the outcome? Either choice can appear to have solved my problem but if in time regrowth may result again (there are no guarantees) if gamma knife shrunk it away then my next way to stop the thing will be to surgery as a fixer. And if I choose surgery this time and regrowth starts in time from that I will be sent back for a fix by gamma knife. I’m at a stop sign and I can reach my destination by either turning right or left and which way should I go?

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mimispree | @mimispree | Mar 3, 2023

Wow. Job well done on attaining and maintaining such an optimistic warrior attitude! I too have been blessed with a healthy attitude no matter what my "head" puts me through. We do have to take the challenge of not being defined by our tumors et al. But you are to be commended for your perseverance. Your attitude will inspire me when I think I have had enough. Thank you!

courtneyizquierdo | @courtneyizquierdo | Mar 4, 2023

In reply to @broncosport1 "I have chosen gamma 🤞my area is frontal and there are possible side effects with eyesight/pituitary..." + (show)

Many prayers. Please update if you can.

broncosport1 | @broncosport1 | Mar 16, 2023

In reply to @courtneyizquierdo "Many prayers. Please update if you can." + (show)

Had my gamma knife procedure on 3/14 - no side effects yet. Been advised to contact if I am not feeling well or if I’m getting a headache or something. If all goes well I will have another MRI in 6mos.
I have what I refer to as afternoon crash outs of falling asleep if I sit down to just go on my iPad or even grab a magazine. If I remain active it usually passes but my day ends earlier than usual. I pay attention since the crashing (naps) can last long and it causes me to wake up and not be able to go back to sleep at a reasonable time and then my days and nights get all messed around.
A bit of planning does become a wise choice.
Again I feel extremely thankful, blessed, grateful and fortunate that I got up and walked out the door on my own.
I take nothing for granted, keep paying attention and pray my journey continues.

courtneyizquierdo | @courtneyizquierdo | Mar 19, 2023

Thank you so much for your update and the info. You are most definitely in my prayers. Is that pretty typical post radiation to be so tired? I am pretty sure that GK will be Dr. Demonte’s choice of treatment for my tumor. We go for imaging mid June.
Many prayers and thank you for sharing.

jmb73 | @jmb73 | Mar 20, 2023

I had my Gamma Knife surgery in 2019 and so far so good. I will pray that whatever choice you make, it will turn out to be the right one. Stay strong.
Joan

broncosport1 | @broncosport1 | Apr 10, 2023

In reply to @courtneyizquierdo "Thank you so much for your update and the info. You are most definitely in my..." + (show)

Sorry didn’t respond sooner. I do think it’s typical to feel tired - it had been for me that way on each GK.
I also have some loss of hair as well. The only other condition I have is an under active thyroid, Graves Disease. I am on medication for that and tendency is a bit of hair loss as well, but this GK has me losing a bit more hair.
Just to clarify I am 73, so may that and my thyroid cause my tiredness more than another person - could be, not sure.
Good luck in June if your doc suggests you have GK, my prayers and positivity are with you. Let me know how you do.👍🙏🤞

purpleturtle | @purpleturtle | Apr 11, 2023

In 2019 I had a Gamma knife procedure done at Mayo for my menginoma that had been diagnosed in 2005 that was showing growth. Sadly it did not help and the menginoma. continued to grow causing 2 strokes and resulting in brain surgery in my home town. The Mayo Clinic doctor continued to follow me before and after the surgery. They were wonderful and I highly recommend them. Thankfully I have not had any regrowth however I just had a heart related stroke probably related to the mechanical heart valve I had in 2010 for an aorta aneurysm. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

jmb73 | @jmb73 | Apr 11, 2023

I had Gamma surgery in 2019 and I would do it again. It's less invasive than regular surgery. You can always do the surgery if it becomes a problem. You have a great attitude. Keep positive and get a bigger STOP sign!!