Diagnosed with Meningioma

I should add that her post-surgery protocol was about a week in the hospital, then transfer to a rehab facility for PT/OT for several weeks to make sure she was able to get around and be steady on her feel while doing it. She is now back living at home and traveling, so all appears to be going the right direction.

My step mom, age 81, who lives in central Kentucky, just had a frontal lobe meningioma removed at the University of Kentucky, although she is a Mayo RST patient and initially underwent gamma knife radiation there to supress its growth. That part was a success, but the resulting edema, and the need for steroids to control it, caused far more issues for her. So after a year post gamma knife and intolerable side effects from the edema, all on her care team agreed that the removal was really the best option. She is about 6 weeks post-op and seems to be doing very well. Tapering off of the steroids and getting her blood sugars back to normal. The edema/steroids were really scary - it effected her balance and her leg strength and thinking and she took many falls and hits to her head. We are lucky that the falling alone did not seriously injure her. It's my understanding that edema side effects are considered rare. Anyone else have any similar issues after gamma knife?

Hi Kay, I'm so glad you are doing well. I think of you often and how you are doing.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I was diagnosed last year and had part of my tumor removed August 28, 2018. My tumor was wrapped around my left eye optic nerve and carotid artery. I have lost most of my vision in my left eye. I started losing vision in that eye before I was diagnosed. That's the only reason they suggested an MRI of my brain because of rapid vision loss. My surgery went well. I was in the hospital for 4 days. First 2 days in ICU, which is normal. If you have specific questions please feel free to ask. There are several of us on here that have been through this and will try to help. I am praying for you as you go through this journey.
Mandy Rector

I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. My tumor was on my optic chiasm causing sight loss in both eyes but mostly in my L eye. I was told that if I didn’t have it removed I would lose my vision. I had surgery at Jacksonville Mayo in December and my vision has improved. I was in the hospital for 3 days. Please write down all your questions to ask your surgeon. On this site there have been suggestions from many patients as to what questions to ask. Wishing you good juju as you begin your journey. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have and hopefully I have an answer.