How did you prepare mentally for Meningioma surgery?

Welcome @mamaseta. Such a good question to ask. I moved your question to the Brain Tumor support and am tagging fellow meningioma members like @mrector @cindyt63 @nancye3 @1myhope @purpleturtle @bonthesea @pleu @colom22 @mkoch to join the discussion and share their tips and experiences with you.

It's understandable that you are growing anxious as the surgery date approaches. I'm glad you came here to find people to talk with openly and without fear of making anyone worry. It's a big weight to carry your worry alone.

That said, I bet your family and friends are worried too. Is there someone in your circle of family and friend supporters who might be relieved and honored if you share your worry with them? You might be surprised that they're keeping it bottled up too as to not worry you. What concerns are racing in your mind today?

Welcome @mamaseta. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this journey. I have had to have 2 meningioma surgeries. I prayed and relied on God to get me through. Don't hide your worry from friends and family. Let them be there for you and with you. I couldn't have gotten through without God and the support from my family and friends. My tumor is in a location where the surgeons can't remove all of it so I have MRI every 6 months to make sure it's stable. Praying for you!

I have had two meningioma surgeries. One last year in September, and this year in June. Like it is natural, I did cry and felt stressed and anxious. However, my advice to you is to find your strength in someone or something you believe in. I'm a spiritual person. My faith in God kept me strong and with a good positive attitude despite the seriousness of the situation. Positive attitude really helps. There are studies that have shown that. It helps you, help the doctors, and your family.
I have two friends who really got close to me in preparation. Talk to people close to you helps to release your fears. I still have a cloud over me as my tumor could not be removed completely due to location, but I feel that I am stronger than my fears, and with hope and positive energy.
Mayo has a great booklet that talks about spirituality, which is not the same as being religious. Not sure if it is online but it helped me a lot. I got it when I went to Mayo for my first in person appointment. There is also a good book by Jennifer Fernjack, who also went through meningioma surgery. It talks about emotional grit. I will pray for your surgery and recovery to be successful, for you to find your strength.

Thank you. I am ordering the book today.

I will pray for your success and easy recovery.

I am scheduled to have a meningioma 1/16th of an inch from my optic nerve removed on September 11 at UCSF. I have been anxious and stressed since the surgery was scheduled 7 weeks ago. I was hoping by this time I would be less anxious but I am not. It's a big deal and we will both get through it. When I first joined this forum about 3 weeks ago I read through several past posts and did find some comfort in one person's account that her craniotomy wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. I did message my doctor and request that as soon as they take me back I want to be given versed to help me relax.

I will pray for you that all goes well. Please stay in touch and know I understand how you are feeling right now. I will be thinking of you on September 11!

I totally understand what you are going thru . My husband had two surgeries to remove a chondrosacroma of the skull. I relied heavily on family and friends . I hope you have a great support system. Maybe find a series on tv, to take your mine off it . I pray for you .

My husband has had two surgeries this year to remove a chondrosacroma of the skull . Due to location , they could not get it all and he is monitored. Very difficult to have that looming over us too. 🙏🙏🙏

Thank you!