Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

Hi. I was diagnosed with one in 2003. Doctor didn’t think I’d make it through surgery, so he used radiation to eliminate it. All has been well until this year, when we found a second one growing. My new doctor had taken a wait and see attitude. Not happy about it since it is so close to a major blood vessel, but my PCP says this doctor is one of the best, so I am taking his word on this
. Don’t be scared. They are benign and slow growing. Make sure you get regular scans and work with your doctor. Join a support group, they will help see you through this!

Hi @joumana, as you prepare for surgery, you might appreciate the tips and experiences shared in these related discussions:

- How did you prepare mentally for Meningioma surgery?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/meningioma-surgery/
- Newly Diagnosed With Meningioma: What can I expect with surgery?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/newly-diagnosed-with-meningioma/

@darla01, if you would like to contact Mayo Clinic, start here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

How is your mom doing?

Elisabeth, I am sorry to hear that you are no longer in the watch-and-wait category and are now scheduled for surgery. But, as I've stated before on this forum, the surgery to remove my meningioma was not the horrible thing I imagined. And, I felt fine pretty much as soon as I arrived back home 2 days later. I know from your prior posts that you, like me, are very particular and selective about your healthcare providers and I'm sure you're in good hands. That's the crux of the matter, an experienced doctor we have trust in and a good hospital.

after six years on wait and watch, my M has tripled in size in last 5 years and surgery is being planned. Last mri was 48 hours ago and i have pounding headache that hasn’t allievated

For Kimd0529: I had a craniotomy to remove a meningioma a year ago. Yes, being diagnosed is a shock. The key is to find a surgeon and hospital you have absolute confidence and trust in. That makes accepting one's diagnosis and following through with any interventions easier. My tumor was in a tricky location to access, and only 1/16th of an inch from my optic nerve. All follow up MRIs have verified that it was totally resected. The location of your meningioma might be more easily accessible. And, the craniotomy was not the horrible experience I had imagined it to be. I've had 2 mastectomies and I will offer the craniotomy was no worse. Currently, I have 2 other meningiomas ( 6 mm. & 8 mm) that my surgeon has suggested we watch-and-wait. There are a lot of factors that go into a neurosurgeon's advice and I have learned to trust his expertise and not obsess about those meningiomas taking up space in my brain.

Great news!

Anyone else have feeling of denial for a little bit when 1st diagnosed then a week later it is hitting me like a brick. I know they say they are most likely non-cancerous, but the term "brain tumor" is frightening! I have my 1st appt. with neurologist tomorrow.

I was just diagnosed as well last week and going for my first visit with a neurologist. I am scared out of my mind!

News update! Dr here in California said my tumor is very reachable via an endoscopic procedure and can remove some and biopsy to see if it’s contributing to my immune response in my eyes. Seeing the rest of the team today to discuss.