Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

Thanks! You’re right, I need to focus on healing and getting strong/healthy. Stay positive!

Exactly. I just had surgery Oct 23 to remove a 4.2cm x 2.8cm meningioma at Mayo in Phoenix. It was discovered in June 2024 after an unrelated trip over my cat. It was just under the skull in the left temporal area and was thought to be a fairly straightforward. As they uncovered it however, they found it to be pretty sticky and was beginning to extend into new areas a bit, even though slowly. It took more time than expected and did need to be removed for sure. Surgeon said waiting even 6 months could have caused some new difficulties.
So each case is very different and you can't really know what surgeons will find. I was covered by lots of prayers. I believe that made a big difference. I also worked hard 8 weeks ahead of surgery to really clean up and strengthen my body (66 yrs old). I had no sugar, no alcohol, no processed foods, drank lots of water, exercised regularly, made sure I had a dose of good olive oil each day, etc. I am still in recovery but am so very grateful for the timing and for the care I received. I may not have my eyebrows line up again exactly right once the swelling is all gone, but I am VERY glad I went ahead with things. It is so important to stay positive and be proactive physically and spiritually! That's been very powerful for me.

I'm told my bone flap (from 2023 crainiotomy and subsequent removal of infected hardware and bone chip left after surgery] may still have bacteria in it and a "10-minute crainiotomy" could be done to determine if, in fact. there is infection still there. This 10-minute procedure would be enough to scrape some bone to do more testing on bone flap situation. What does your dr tell you about your "indolent bone infection?" I had 6 weeks of daily antibiotic infusions after removal of the infected hardware. My dr said I would probably need that again if I choose to have the "10 minute" procedure to get a new bone scraping. Have you been taking intravenous antibiotic treatment? I'm in a 6-month waiting mode to see what to do. Thank you.

I have just been diagnosed as well. I have same response, very frightened. Have been told by primary dr that meningiomas are usually benign, and I am thankful for that, but there are no guarantees. I am attempting now to see neurologist at UCSF, asap.

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.

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

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.

Great news!

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.

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