Should I choose to do surgery right away or wait a while?
I was diagnosed with having meningioma measuring 2.9cm in the left posterior fossa. There is focal mass effect on left pons with suggestion of impingement of the cisternal segment of the left trigeminal nerve which causes jolting pain in my jaw. I have other symptoms such as vertigo and tinnitus. Surgery was suggested but I am 52 yo and scared to go thru brain surgery. Nerve blocker can manage my pain but I dont want to take it long term. Has anyone went thru similar surgery and can tell me what it’s like? Should I opt to do surgery or no?
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So interesting about the "upcoming biological agents" you mention. When I looked this idea up on the internet, it spoke of this treatment as if only for cancerous tumors, so I am very curious. I am meeting with a neurosurgeon tomorrow and will definitely ask about this new area. Thank you for enlightening me!
Hi. You are SOOOO kind. But you could contact me directly without posting your email address openly. I don't feel you have a big risk here but it's just good self protection. I'm going to DM you privately back.
I wish I could pull up that medical pub reference in time. Gonna try but it is doubtful. It was a 3 person, 1 location cohort. I do so much medical reading I can't recall which source. But I'll try to locate it. Even if it's later in the week.
Thank you!
The study I reviewed individually and referred to here was the hydroxyurea study.
Today we had the follow up visit for my wife's MRI after six weeks of chemo and radiation for glioblastoma on her brain. The oncologist said the MRI showed no obvious tumor progression. This is amazing news! She will have MRI's every two months for one year. During that time she will be on a schedule of chemo, temodar, for five days on and 25 days off. She is still feeling ok and has been able to stabilize weight loss, sleep better and feel ok since she has been off chemo and radiation for four weeks. Feedback from any others who have had a similar experience is appreciated.
Wow, this is wonderful and incredible news. I have meningiomas (one removed so far), so don't have the same experience as your wife. I just wanted to pitch in to say this is a great thing and hope you both continue on positively!
So my surgeon and I decided that the tumor affecting my trigeminal nerves and the pons will create more problems if we allow it to grow so surgery has been scheduled in two weeks. I’ve been anxious and nervous but I’m trusting the process. Thanks to all the positive feedback. Y’all are giving me courage to go through the surgery❤️
Trust it will go well.
Ask the neurosurgeon these questions.
My spouse asked his neurosurgeon
similar questions and his opinion on whether to wait or operate.
The NS explained all very well and gave us his opinion but left decision up to my spouse. I Agee’s with my spouse and NS to remove the tumor as it was in a safe place to access in the brain and possibilities of damage were low.
The NS can explain this based on your particular Tumor location.