Cervical Meningioma Surgery & Recovery
Hello,
I was diagnosed in November 2024 with a relatively small Intradural Extra Medullary Meningioma. I have been having regular MRI's to keep an eye on an artery in my brain and the "lesions" from chronic migraine. The meningioma is located right at the C1 level. I am waiting to be scheduled for surgery. Even though it's small, it is causing issues (not the ones we have been monitoring though) and the location makes the wait and watch option not really the best option. Here's my question(s): has anyone here had a similar type in the same or close to location? If so, did you have surgery? What was recovery like? Any post-operative issues? My neurosurgeon told me my neck pain will not go away after surgery because he will most likely have to do an Occiptal Cervical Fusion. So fuse above my C1 down to C3 maybe C4. My husband said, "so basically the only good thing about having surgery now is to get rid of the meningioma. That will prevent it from growing. But she will still be at risk of getting another one and that one possibly growing faster? It doesn't sound like her options are all that great." My dr was super honest and said, "well, on paper, no her options are not that great. But removal is the most important to avoid further permenant damage." New friends in this group, please tell me this is the best option. Please and thank you! -Kaitlyn
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I do have a great support system. Which I feel so incredibly grateful & privileged to have. Yes it’s my neck C1. Which is kinda one of the most important parts of our spine. 🥴And if you knew me in person you would understand why my family & friends and I laugh that I would get a common tumor in one of the rarest places. And will require a neck brace. My surgeon is incredibly honest and transparent. He encouraged my husband and I to really get mentally prepared for worst case scenario. He said if you are ready for the worst you will be “less” shocked and better prepared. He said 8-12 weeks because we told him I am planning my husband’s 50th next year. I needed a rough guess for planning. I am sure it could be shorter if I do what I’m supposed to do. He did say 12 weeks for the neck brace though.