Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

I was dx’d w/ 5cm (lime size) meningioma. Severe headaches/light sensitivity. Craniotomy Jan 2004. In hindsight, after being told it was benign I wish I would’ve asked if it’s not cancer, then what is it…viral, bacterial, fungal. Had subsequent surgeries (partial thyroidectomy & inguinal hernia ) & began to decline badly in 2009. My gut was trashed. I had IBS dx b4 brain issues & believe the meningioma was a manifestation of possible colon cancer and/or candida. In 2010 I began to clean up my gut & do a parasite cleanse. I’m still at it. 2015 & 2023 MRI reflects Encephalomalacia changes. It’s been a long hard journey with dental failure in the mix. I’d had back injuries prior to all of the aforementioned, treated with copious amounts of steroid injections. I believe the root cause was early childhood trauma, yeast overgrowth. I was given boatloads of meds before, during & after craniotomy. Some prophylactically. Anti-seizure meds when I never had seizures as a symptom. I finally wised up after months of research & plant-based diet, lots of fruit (pineapple, grapes & watermelon) & began to feel better. I also did a modified Gerson Protocol which is super controversial. I was 42 @ time of meningioma & 50 when I wised up & am 66 today. It’s been rough bc life doesn’t stop for us. Fear is a normal response - but IMHO cannot be the driver of decisions. Google alkalizing vs acidosis, Gerson Protocol & whatever your intuition brings to the surface. Everyone is very different as our health histories, as far back as, in-utero is unique to each individual. Biological & mental health. I listen to music & watch a lot of stand-up comedy too. Music & laughter is good medicine also when everything feels overwhelming. Stay true to your truth(s)!

My meningioma was discovered accidentally 7 years ago with a precautionary cat scan taken as a result of a one time vertigo incident. It was roughly 2.5 x 2.5 cm. I didn't have another cat scan or MRI since until recently . The recent MRI shows it grew roughly to 3.6 x 2.7 cm, so we are unsure of the growth "pattern" . I am fine and trying to monitor myself for symptoms . I am now just more conscious of the tumor and a little apprehensive.

@steveomalley, so great that the meningioma is not causing any symptoms. You mentioned that you don't know the growth pattern. Was the growth recent and sudden? How are you feeling?

I am in the same situation. My wife and I were at Mayo Clinic, MN last week to review a recent MRI showing my meningioma tumor measuring 3.6 x 2.7cm . It was first discovered by accident in 2017 and measured 2.5 x 2.5 cm. Since we don't know the growth pattern and I am also not showing any symptoms, we are going to wait until next year to re-do a MRI and see what additional information surfaces. Good luck to you.

I am healing slower than I would like to be. Although I’m continually told I’m an overachiever. I need to learn how to relax and let my body heal. My double vision is improving. I can’t wait until next week when they will clean out my sinuses. At this time, I will also be able to start doing more activities. I just need to remind myself slow and easy does it

@jasonl1012, just checking in. How is recovery going? Have some of the vision issues gotten better over the past couple of weeks?

@citychica, how are you doing? Did you and the team at Mayo decide on next steps?

i was diagnosed with a meningioma in 2018. I have follow up MRI’s but no symptoms. Staying on watch and wait

Jason, I'm glad to hear the endonasal procedure is behind you and you are definitely doing well enough to write an update. My double vision (after a craniotomy for a skull based tumor)
was not off and on, (as you are experiencing) but constant. It did resolve in about 3 months. I wish you continued progress and for you to be feeling your old self soon.

It was difficult. I had to stay over four nights. But doable. Make sure you have someone that only does school-based tumors. Someone that has a lot of experience in the endonasal technique. My surgeons team has done over 4500 of them definitely not something you want a surgeon that does spine, other brain tumors, general neurosurgery, etc. I have my first follow up tomorrow. So far I have double vision off and on, blurred vision, headaches, and some definite pain at the tail bone(whatever that’s from). They took a graft from my left IT Band(outer thigh) for nasoseptal reconstruction. It’s barely sore. Also of note, they will bolt you into a halo so you’ll have 4 sore spots with scabs, just so it’s not a surprise.
Keep on on thriving!

How was the surgery?