Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

Perhaps you have read about my experience 7 months ago. I had a 2.7 mm. meningioma that was 1/16 th of an inch from my optic nerve. The neurologist that I first consulted when the meningioma was found incidentally during a scan for something else referred me to a radiation oncologist as I was told it was too close to my optic nerve to do surgery. The radiation oncologist agreed. My daughter insisted I go to UCSF and talk to a neurosurgeon.
He said, "No problem, I do one or two a week." (specifically that close to the optic nerve)
The surgery was successful; the entire meningioma was removed.
The surgery was much easier than I had ever imagined. I was home on the third day. Except for the pain med given during surgery, I only took tylenol. One drawback was that I did have double vision for 3 1/2 months after my surgery. But, that resolved and I am doing well. I might add that it is imperative that you receive care at a top notch neurosurgical center.

Hi, I just found out two weeks ago that I have a meningioma on my right optic nerve. It’s 1 cm. I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon next week to determine a treatment plan. I have some vision loss which seems unlikely to return, even with surgery. I’m scared but trying to be positive- unlikely to be cancerous, very healthy otherwise, etc.

"Purple Turtle" were the strokes because of the meningioma being there?

Yes unfortunately they did.

Did having the strokes have anything to do with the presence of the meningioma, or was that a totally, separate issue.

I was diagnosed in the early 1990’s with a small meningioma. The decision was to watch and wait. I haven’t noticed any problems with it. It was discovered when I had a CT scan for a sinus problem. As you can see, I’ve had it a long time. Of course, see a neurologist if you’re having symptoms. Prayer helps, too.

I understand how frightening it was to receive this diagnosis.
I was diagnosed with my menginoma in 2005 after an mri for my Menierer's diagnosis.
I was told it was almost always benign and to just have it checked every year which I did for a while. Then I got lazy and stopped following up. My family doctor insisted I follow up in 2018 with a mri. My tumor was there but I was diagnosed with amyloid angioplasty a very rare untreatable
uncurable issue. I went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a 2nd opinion. They said the only way to diagnose it 100% would be with a brain biopsy after death. They also told me my menginoma was growing and recommended having a radiation treatment to try to slow or stop the growth. Unfortunately it didn't work and I had 2 major strokes in 2019. After the 2nd stroke I had to have emergency surgery to remove my tumor which was a grade 1. I have had frequent mris since then to follow the tumor. Thankfully it is stable.
The surgery affected my left side balance but I am functioning.
I wish you the best.

Correction: February 2024

I had no symptoms until a severe tonic/clonic seizure lasting 6 minutes sent me to ER. It was my first seizure ever and they discovered the meningioma. Four days later , craniotomy. Successful removal of benign mass. Imbalance, some cognitive/verbal difficulties (seen as mild by family, driving me nuts), neuropathy and encephalomalacia are all topics I’ll be discussing with neurologist this February 2024.

I had one in April 2022. I understand every person’s results are different. Benign meningioma was successfully removed. I woke up with drop foot and possibly neuropathy. My sister, an RN, suggested possibly that restraints on arms/legs surgery were not routinely loosened and retightened. For blood flow. I guess I would make that a point to doctor. Be your best advocate.