Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

I had one and had it removed 2 years ago. I am not going to lie the recovery was a challenge at times. I would look to have it removed it is only going to continue to grow. I started getting white outs and I was in the car with my wife when I had one and she was confused because I started talking strange she thought I was speaking some foreign language.

My main symptom was chronic sinusitis and my left nostril always burned. I had not had any brain imaging but kept going to the E.N.T. off and on for 5 years complaining of sinus issues. Finally, I had a brain scan for a different reason, (to rule out a stroke because of tingling down my left arm) and the 3 centimeter meningioma was discovered. I took my report to the E.N.T. and he said the meningioma was not causing my sinus issues. Well, he was wrong, because all those symptoms disappeared after the meningioma was removed. My neurosurgeon said I had chronic inflammation due to the meningioma. But, to answer the most important question, the neurosurgeon wanted to remove the meningioma because it was 1/16th of an inch from my optic nerve. He was fairly certain he could remove all of it without damaging the optic nerve but that window of opportunity was limited because, even though slow growing, 1/16th of an inch was already right at the limit of being able to resect it without damaging my optic nerve. And, I will add, given that 2 other neuro doctors said no neurosurgeon would be willing to attempt to remove the meningioma given its location, I think the successful removal of mine rested in the hands of a very skilled doctor. Location is everything and yours may not be in such a tricky location to deal with.

I have a falx meningioma brain tumor, I was diagnosed last year. I was hoping that by the time I went for another MRI it would be gone.I guess I was hoping for a miracle. It's still there so that's what my MRI showed, so I see a neurosurgeon Thursday to find out what I need to know about having this.I have had a lot of issues since the discovery of it ,I have not had a seizures yet,that scares me, I take it day by day some days very few symptoms and other days to many,I believe my worse problem is forgetting simple things I can see it and but I just can't get the words out. I will say a prayer for you, If you just want to talk just reach out .

I'm still in holding pattern. I am trying to get an opinion from Mayo neurosurgeon(s), but not sure they are willing to get involved, as one has advised me to stick with my local surgeons (who seem to differ in opinions), since they know my case better. (one did the crainiotomy, the other removed the infected hardware from the crainiotomy). I'm sure all are trying to do their best, I'm just wanting to know the best avenue to take.

@cscmaryann, I'm tagging @meningiomametwo to make sure they see your post and your questions.

@meningiomametwo, what are the next steps for you?
@cscmaryann, tough decisions. Are you leaning towards having the surgery?

How big was the one removed? My larger one is 9.9 mm and they said watch and wait 3 mos which isn't that reassuring. Did you have any symptoms / problems that warranted it to be removed?

Thank you.

@jeannedale, welcome. How did your appointment with the neurologist go? Any update?

Ice packs can be helpful. I have 6 in my freezer to rotate. Good luck and stay strong!

I was scared to death with my first one, so I know what you are feeling. The good thing is meningiomas are slow growing and benign. They are not a death sentence! I had one 20 years ago, had radiation done and it was gone. Just discovered a second one a few months ago. I have a new doctor, he wants to wait and see with this one.
Best things to do are to consult with the doctor, keep getting scans, and discuss treatment. Join a support group, especially one that meets live. The one I joined last time, really saw me through a lot. Yes, this is frightening, but you wil get through this.