Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

I was told no radiation therapy will shrink or destroy the tumor. That they could only say it should stop its growth for a period of time.

ok. Thanks for the reply

When I had the Gamma Knife back in March, I was fitted with a halo. I was under anesthesia for them to attach it, and when everything was over, I was awake when they u did it. No discomfort. It looks scarier than it is. I had my 6 month check up and the tumor has stopped growing. The Dr. told me it could take months/years for it to shrink or go away. Good luck.

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