Watching a Meningioma Brain Tumor

Thank you. That makes me feel better 🙂

I have flown all over the world with my 2 left frontal lobe tumors. I live in Hawaii and have a daughter and her family who live in London....so every time I visit them I am basically going halfway around the world. We used to travel a LOT and I never had any problem nor noticed any growth at my next scans. @wendyah

I don't think you have anything to worry about with flying. This type is a very slow growing tumor. Chances are you have had yours for years and it was never noticed. If you are concerned, call your doctor and ask about flying. I'm sure he/she will be able to put your fears to rest. At the time mine was found I had flown across country and a couple of other trips within the US. I had no symptoms and when it was finally found, the doctor told me that just a little bit longer and I would have had a stroke. It was nearly the size of your fist.

Thank you I appreciate that. Is it dangerous to fly long distances (sixteen hours) with this kind of tumor?

I have had one meningioma removed and one is still in place. The one removed was on the left side with numerous tendrils growing outward. The tumor was near the frontal lobe area. My surgery was in 2009 and the tumor was larger than expected and not all of the extensions could be removed. Almost from the time of recovery I had pains in my head that weren't headaches. Neurologist couldn't find any cause. I began to lose my long term memory and then my short term memory. Things got so bad that I began to think I had dementia or alzheimer's. After many tests and MRIs I learned I didn't have dementia or alzheimer's. I had mild cognitive impairment which basically means that I no longer have the executive functions of my brain. I can't organize things any more. I can only do one thing at a time and any interruption will cause me to totally forget what I was doing, why I was doing it and where I was doing it. When that happens I have to stop everything and try to piece together the details and start again. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. I have to use my gps to go every where even if I have been there a thousand times. I can no longer read a book, after a few paragraphs I can't remember what I've read and have to start all over. For someone who could read three or four books at one time, that has been hard to accept. I can no longer work.

The neurosurgeon said we could wait and see on the second tumor, it is small and hasn't grown in five years. He said that if it started to grow he could use lasers to remove it instead of the major surgery I went through.I now have titanium rods holding my skull together. It was a fluke that the first one was found. I feel and hit my head and knocked myself out. I went to the ER just to be sure I hadn't broken any bones around my left eye. Xrays showed the large tumor. The rest is history.

At 2mm your tumor is very small. I would make sure that you are seen once a year and an MRI done to check the status. If it starts growing insist that it be removed using the least invasive procedure. Wishing you the best.

Hello @wendyah, welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined with a discussion titled, "Watching a meningioma brain tumor." I did this so that you would be introduced to the members discussion meningioma tumors, some of which are in a similar situation as you and your husband. While the members may or may not know of a in-person support group near Cocoa Beach, Florida, I think you will find the supportive nature here on Connect welcoming as well. There is also a Caregivers, group that has many thoughtful members discussing the difficulties of being in situations much like yourself, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/.

@wendyah, are there any specific questions you would like to ask the members discussing meningioma?

Good morning. I am looking for your help to find a support group that meets in my local area of Cocoa Beach, Florida. I am the caregiver to my husband who was diagnosed with a malignant GIST (stomach tumor) nearly three years ago. Three weeks ago we learned he has a meningistioma measuring 5x5x3cm that needs to be removed with surgery. I am struggling with this latest diagnosis and think I would benefit from group support. Thank you.

Hello @ees1

Here is a link to an article about signs and symptoms of meningioma. Please click on the link to read all of the signs and symptoms.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20355643
As you can see, ringing in the ear and loss of hearing are two of many symptoms.

Ringing ears is a symptom?

Anyone ever try accupuncture for treatment of their meningioma? I am on "watch and wait" and would like to avoid syrgery! I'm 67 years old. I have slight headaches and dizziness. I have ringing in my ears that comes and goes. Worry seems to increase my symptoms. Golfing always helps! Thanks for all of ypur posts. Knowledge is power.