Six Months Post Retro Surgery Status

[surfagain]

First of all, I would like to say I realize I am very blessed.  I had a 4.2 cm tumor removed six months ago and I find the most difficult problem to deal with is fatigue. I cant do anything about the other problems, but I feel like I should be able to overcome the fatigue. I feel like I've aged 10 years overnight and I just can't seem to shake it.  Sleep does not seem to help, but it will become worse if I undersleep.  Is this normal and does it get better? 
Thank you and God bless you all.

[Kristena]

4 cm is very large, and your brain will take some time to bounce back from the trauma of surgery. It’s also possible that you are dealing with some depression while you are learning to live with with your “other changes.” Hang in there! It does get better, and there is a large community here to help you!

[Sheba]

Walking is great medicine - may help your fatigue?
I feel better any time that I take a real walk of at least a couple miles.

[LakeErie]

I have posted before that mass effect of the tumor, larger ones, can complicate recovery. Looking at my imaging pre-surgery, my brain stem and cerebellum were pushed in and my 4th ventricle was shifted in position. Post surgery, the mass effects were slow to return to normal, the brain does not just snap back into place when the pressure from the tumor is removed. I assume that the changes involved in mass effect has something to do with how we feel until the process is complete. My neurosurgeon and ENT confirmed to me that mass effect resolves over time. 

[surfagain]

Thank you.  That is the best and only explanation I've gotten.  I appreciate it and it gives me hope.

[Gr8fulDad]

Surfagain - I had retro surgery six months ago to remove a 4.2cm tumor as well.  I had a very successful outcome, retained hearing, no facial nerve problems, no balance issues etc.  I did, however, experience fatigue.  Also, my conditioning was really terrible and I would be out of breath very quickly when I exercised.  For me, the fatigue is now all gone and my conditioning is starting to come back.  I still think I'm going to die halfway through a karate class, but I can get through a whole class now.

Good luck!!