My mom needs craniotomy

[4Mudda]

My mom is 69 years old. In 2007 she was first diagnosed with a meningioma that was diagnosed incidentally because she underwent an MRI because she has optic neuritis. At the time she had the CyberKnife and up until 2013 the tumor had not grown. She had no symptoms. About 6 months ago, her personality started to change. She was sleeping all the time and not seeming to care about anything and showing some dementia type symptoms. She also has some weird involuntary mouth movements, but has been feeling dizzy and off balance and walking very slow. She started showing up late to everything, but which is absolutely something she never did in her life. She was the most punctual person I know. I finally got her to see her doctor and they ordered an MRI and the tumor has grown to 5 cm. And she has a midline shift and swelling. She is scheduled to undergo an craniotomy on the 25th. I'm just here because I'm hoping someone can give me some hope. She is so not my mom right now and I'm afraid she never will be again. I have a 10 year son. I am her only child and he is her only grandchild and she is his only grandparent. I can't bear the thought of him losing her, and let alone me losing her. I know the prognosis is fairly decent with meningiomas but I'm still scared to death. She doesn't seem to care about anything anymore and wasn't taking care of herself, her house, or her dog, so she is staying with us now. I'm afraid she will never be the same again and I just want her to get her quality of life back, not to mention make it through this surgery. I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has gone through this. Thank you.

[KaspianSky]

Hello 4Mudda,

It sounds like you have a lot going on right now and it can be so overwhelming when a loved one is unwell and not acting as they usually would. I had a 4.6cm meningioma removed almost four years ago, it was also an incidental find. Before the surgery, I couldn't do anything but lie in bed all day and I struggled with eating and communicating verbally. It can be frightening for friends and family to see such a dramatic change but often this is the result of the location of the meningioma and/or medication side effects.

I was really struggling but I got through the surgery and I have made a lot of progress since before my surgery. I found the recovery took some time but with the help of relatives and healthcare professionals, I was able to slowly but surely resume lots of the things that I used to be able to do. What helped me before the surgery was a lot of reassurance and everyone acting as if things were normal, this really helped me feel more relaxed.

[4Mudda in reply to KaspianSky]

Thank you so much for your reply. It helps a lot to hear from someone who has been through it. It is hard to see her change so much. She retired in 2018. She was a nurse who worked 12 hour shifts and it's hard to believe the difference in her personality now. I know it's the tumor but it's still scary to watch. I am so happy to hear that you have had a pretty good recovery! It gives me hope!I'll take your advice about acting like things are normal to help her stay more relaxed. Thank you so much!

[Shannon_TBTC Partner]

We are really sorry to hear this 4Mudda and imagine this has been a really difficult time for you all. A member of our support team would be really happy to go through this you, providing support and information. Please do reach out by calling 0808 800 0004 or emailing [e-mail]

With best wishes, Shannon (Admin)

[4Mudda in reply to Shannon_TBTC]

Thank you very much! Things are going better than I expected! I hope she continues to recover well. She already seems more like herself and they want to send her to acute rehab, but she which is much sooner than we expected. I couldn't ask for more right now!

[Lytham]

Hello, I'm sorry to hear things are difficult for you all atm, I had a successful (touch wood) craniotomy about 15 years ago and I hope once the pressure has been released from her brain you'll get your old Mum back again ! Good luck and positive vibes x