Astrocytoma: Opting for Surgery

Hello, @susanne1954. Welcome to Connect. Thanks for sharing his information about your journey with the astrocytoma so far and that you are moving toward a biopsy and lesion removal.

I'd like to introduce you to others on Connect who've talked about astrocytoma, like @cleahy85 @lynda1992 @thedawn5 @markelia @jkenser and others. I'd also like you to meet @hopeful33250. Hoping they may have some thoughts to share as you move toward this surgery and also provide some support.

When will you be having this surgery, susanne1954? Also, it sounds as though you feel confident in your decision to choose surgery at this time instead of the radiation option. As I know that having to make such big decisions in the midst of an illness can feel frightening for some, just wondering if you'd have any advice for others with brain tumors about how they, too, can make treatment direction decisions confidently?

I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. I think surgical removal is definitely the smartest choice. When will you be having surgery?

Just being told that you have a brain tumor is scary all by itself! You need to find out as much as you can regarding this type of tumor. Ask alot of questions. Like have either of these neurosurgens ever operated on a brain tumor located on the opitc nerve? We're talking about your brain! This is very serious. Please don't jump into having sugery, just becuase that's an option. Research. Educate yourself on brain tumors & brain surgeries as much as you can. American Brain Tumor Association (abta.org) is a good starting point. I had an intraventricular pilocytic astrocytoma. I'm a 27 year survivor!! Let me know if you have any questions. My thoughts & prayers are with you.....

Thankyou for responding Lynda.
How was your lesion treated?
My thoughts are that if I have surgery we wil know what label we can put on this lesion.
So far I’ve researched meningioma and astrocytoma. Apart from double vision when driving and nausea I have no other effects.
I speak with my neurosurgeon this Monday via phone hookup. I’m a Christian with faith to believe that God has my situation in His hands and am trusting for good outcome. Bless you

@susanne1954 Hello Susanne,

I am glad that you feel confident about surgery as a good option for you. I would encourage you, however, to talk with the surgeon to know for sure that this is a doctor who is experienced in this type of surgery. (You might ask him how long he has been in practice and how many of these surgeries he has performed.)

It is also always advisable to get a second opinion. In the case of brain surgery, you might consider a second opinion from a multidisciplinary medical center (like a university medical school or a facility like Mayo). These types of medical centers have a lot of research behind their medical practice and that is a good thing.

Have you sought a second opinion yet?

To @susanne1954 and anyone else who might be considering a second opinion or how to approach a consult with a new specialist, please read the following Connect discussion. Here is a link to this discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/?pg=1#comment-240765.

As an appointment with a new doctor can be anxiety-producing these tips on how to prepare for the appointment and also how to approach a new doctor are really quite helpful.

The 1st doctor wanted to get a biopsy of the tumor. They would need to insert a needle into my brain to get that sample. When the pathologist said I could die on the table, I could be paralized on my right side, I could have an eye problem, speech problem or a short term memory problem, I freaked out. My doctor them gave me the option to see someone at Mayo Clinic. Of course, that's where I went. The doctor there was 99% sure the tumor was benign. I ended up having a stereotactic craniotomy. The tumor was benign! My doctor said any microscopic pieces left behind should flush out in my spinal fluid. I ended up developing hydrocephalus, so I ended up back at Mayo Clinic. Had three more brain surgeries followed by antibiotics twice a day for three weeks.

Like I mentioned, do your homework. Get another opinion. Surgery should only be done if it's the last resort. Limit your driving. Better yet, stop driving for now. Can you take something for the nausea? Please don't rush into having surgery. It just sounds like there's still a lot of unanswered questions. Thanks for listening.....

I’m talking to my neurosurgeon tomorrow
I’m going to ask more questions
I can’t understand why after 2 MRIs and 1 CT scan we have no diagnosis
I will limit my driving too in addition to taking ginger for my nausea
I’ll let you know how I go with my appt tomorrow
Cheers

Please let me know how your appt goes today. Sounds like you'll be better prepared when talking to your doctor. Cheers!

Thankyou to everyone who have been so kind to reply
My consult with surgeon answered my questions
We have no accurate diagnosis because the tumour is so small and has no significant characteristics
Surgery will go ahead 7 Jan.
On my original MRI a lesion in my tectal plate was found in addition to lesion on optic nerve
Anyone had experience with a tectal plate lesion. At this stage we are monitoring it and if effects are noticed radiation is the only option.
But for the grace of God go I.