can’t take it all in

[Hugeveryone]

diagnosed with meningioma in October 2022. It’s pressing on my brain stem. Suggested by registrar to possibly monitor for a year, but if I really want it out sooner to contact him. My diagnosis came from having trigenimal neuralgia. Being treated with gabapentin for pain. Sadly over last 10 days pain has started to come back. I don’t know what to decide.

[tuppenceworth]

So sorry to hear what a worrying time you are having.

I would suggest you ask for another appointment to talk through options. The experts can help answer questions, just have a list of everything you want to ask.

Good luck

[BrainBrain]

It's definitely worth asking for another appointment to discuss further treatment options - there may be different drugs you can try, or it may be that surgery is the best option now. It's frightening but the doctors will only recommended things they believe will improve your quality of life.

[Zhaleh_TBTC Administrator]

Hello, it sounds like a difficult situation and I think many people in the community can identify with how you are feeling. I hope you can get some further medical guidance around this. Have you been allocated a Nurse Specialist at all? They can be a good point of contact for questions and concerns.

We also have some useful information on watch and wait here: thebraintumourcharity.org/b...

Our Step by Step guide would also be useful to have a read through particularly relating to the appointments you may have, to help answer concerns and arm you with the right questions to ask your healthcare team at your next appointment: thebraintumourcharity.org/b...

If you think it would help to talk things through with the Support Team, please do give us a call on the Support Line number 0808 8000004. We are here to listen, 9am-5pm Monday – Friday.

[1968_Hiccup16]

I had a removal of large meningioma from my brain stem 6 yrs ago . I had it for 10 years watching and waiting . Be guided by your surgeon and use all the resources available . Your surgeon is the best when it comes to weighing up the pros and cons ie time for surgery . I’m 54 snd leading a healthy active life post surgery . Waiting can do your head in so make sure you look after your mental health in the meantime , good luck