I was diagnosed with a Pontomedullary Pilocytic Astrocytoma in 2008. Had surgery and they took enough for a biopsy. I am one of the lucky ones so far that has minimal symptoms such as speech impediment, slight facial drooping. I am on watch and wait and no further growth since the operation. My NO has me coming in every 2 years now for MRI. I did have surgery in 1977 for a cyst that was in the same location that they drained. Had to learn to walk and talk all over again at the age of 12. So 31 years later it came back as a tumor.