Watching a Meningioma Brain Tumor

First, be thankful that it has been found early. It is a benign tumor. I was not as fortunate. I had a nasty fall and hit my head. I went to the ER to be checked out because I hit a heavy cabinet with my face. Xrays showed the large tumor and I was quickly referred to a surgeon. I was told that if I had waited much longer I would have had a stroke that would have left me in a very bad state. Surgery was scheduled and the tumor and most of the tendrils attached to it were removed. Some of the tendrils were in places that would have been dangerous to remove. I have titanium rods in my skull now. The surgery was in 2009 and since that time I have had increasing loss of long and short term memory. Last year, after many tests, I learned that I have mild cognitive impairment because the tumor was near and affected my frontal lobe area. I will never be able to recover my memory. I basically lost my executive functions for organization, multi-tasking, etc. I am 63 years old and unable to be gainfully employed because I can't retain what is needed to do the job. I also have another tumor in the top front of the brain that is on the wait and see plan. The surgeon says that should it start to grow, lasers can be used to remove it before it gets big.

thanks this gives me a calmer outlook because I was diagnosed with one about a month ago and it is located behind my right ear they want to do surgery in a couple weeks thanks for your feedback.

Welcome to Connect, @twomama. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and so glad that you've joined this group. While we wait for others to join in, here's some information from Mayo Clinic which you might wish to read: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20355643

@twomama, would you be able to share a few more details? How did the concussion occur?

It’s very helpful reading all your responses to a mengioma diagnosis. I am 60 years old and just found out about my own diagnosis after suffering a concussion. The doctor recommended CT scan at which time they discovered the meningioma. The doctor recommended an MRI to see the exact size and location so I’m waiting to proceed with that. I’m fairly certain I will have a “watch and wait” approach and I think I’m fine with that.

When I first heard I had a brain tumor, I thought I was the only one. I've learned, meningioma's are very common. Some grow, some don't. Mine unfortunately was pushing against my brainstem and had to be removed. Not all was removed so I continue to have MRI's. I can say I'm no longer claustrophobic!

I was diagnosed last Sept with a 2 cm meningioma and on the wait and watch path. It was a scary plan at first but I went and got two more opinions. One more neurosurgeon and one neurologist. Basically they said the same thing that many people have them and don’t ever know. My tumor is just left of center against the main center vein about two inches from the front. The risk of surgery out weighs the risk of wait and watch. Meanwhile no serious symptoms. I get how stressful it can be having something in your head that doesn’t belong. I have done some of my own research and trust what the doctors are saying. I have my moments like tonight where it comes to mind and I can’t sleep but most of the time I just live my life like it’s not there. My third MRI is this May. I hope you gain some peace about it. This blog helps and so does my faith. Thoughts and prayers.

I needed your upbeat message. Thanks!!!

Hello @lindajean

I appreciated your post, especially your comment, "I have become very comfortable with my watch and wait." I agree that advances in medicine make the waiting very worthwhile.

I look forward to reading more posts from you - we all learn from each other!

Teresa

Hi, I have been on watch and wait for many years. Diagnosed even younger than you. Dr. Oneil at Mayo explained at my initial workup that since the risk could be high for surgery in my location of left frontal lobe, and because I was not having damaging symptoms, that I may NEVER need surgery....not that I would HAVE to have it down the road, just depended on growth and symptoms that could happen. Many people have meningioma's and never even know they have them. I have become very comfortable with my watch and wait. With the rapid advances in less damaging and more precise techniques every year, I am GLAD I have had 12 or so years of avoiding such a tramatic surgery and know every year of research is a "gift" in my pocket IF IF IF I ever do need to have surgery. It is very scary when first diagnosed, but at least for me, watch and wait is not much different than going in for my routine health checkups...just part of my "new normal"-ha!

Nancy, thanks for your note. Unfortunately for a Gamma Knife treatment my tumor is too big... a surgery is needed. However, at this point I still have time to search for a good NS. I am looking at Rochester as well, it is the best Clinic for brain tumors, based on a statistic. I think I would fly around the world to find the right NS for me. My next MRI is due next month...needless to say I hope it didn't continue growing. My tumor is Grade 1...which is supposed to grow slowly.