Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

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.

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)!

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.

ok. Thanks for the reply

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.

I am a 10-year survivor-thriver of a R spheno-orbital meningioma with cavernous sinus involvement. I am in agreement with many points expressed by @lucy2lucy regarding how this unknown-caused and incurable brain disease manifests itself from one individual to another. As a founder of a non-profit that provides services to meningioma brain tumor survivor-thrivers and their caregivers, I offer these guided suggestions:
1. Become knowledgeable about the meningioma tumor type, grade, and location.
2. Always be accompanied by someone who can take notes during the discussion with healthcare providers. Someone needs to be attentive to the information being shared other than you.
3. Make a list and ask all your questions. No question is stupid.
4. Most doctors know very little about this brain disease (although they profess to) because there is very little empirical research that has been or is being conducted on these types of brain tumors.
5. Obtain more than one medical opinion about the treatment options available to you for your specific meningioma tumor. Every treatment option available IS NOT appropriate for all types of meningiomas.
6. If the doctor fails to be responsive to your inquiries including questions about his/her background in treating YOUR type of meningioma, MOVE ON and seek another opinion.
7. As @lucy2lucy states, the word 'benign' is used by doctors regarding meningioma brain tumors. The term is misleading in that it is used to indicate that meningiomas are non-cancerous. While meningioma tumor cells may not have cancerous properties, these tumors are debilitating to the vast majority of us who survive and thrive with them.
Lastly, fear is a natural response to hearing that you have a meningioma. They are almost always found/diagnosed unexpectedly and most time with little to no prior symptoms.

I do so hope these suggestions are of some assistance to you.

Go Well,

I had my procedure at university of Pa. My surgeon told me that either it would stop the tumor from progressing. It may shrink or go away, but, it could take years. The whole idea is to keep it from growing. My tumor was a little calcified also which was a plus.

Hi,
My name is Monique. I was hit by a drunk driver and taken to the hospital. Anyway they did a CT on my head and found out that I had Meningioma. I have the symptoms of losing eye vision and severe headaches. I’m waiting to have another CT and hopefully go back to the Mayo to get seen.
I’m scared also.
Good luck to you.

My name is Jane. My nonmalignant Meningioma was found quite by accident too. I went in for my yearly lab work and found out that my sodium was extremely low. After being referred to a kidney specialist who sent me for a cat scan of my brain, the cat scan revealed I had a nonmalignant Meningioma. It is hard to believe but that can be a cause low sodium. I was then referred to a Neurosurgeon. I will see a Neuro Onocologist first and then a Neurosurgeon. The thought of it all is very scary to me. I'm not sure what to expect since I've usually been a healthy person.

It is scary to hear. I was diagnosed in May and was healthy too. Crazy how fast life can change