Tumor Grew - Need Advice

[Angel894]

So 3 years post-op, my tumor grew.  I was having headaches radiating from the base of my skull so my GP ordered an MRI.  The tumor grew about 3mm up and 1mm wide.  It is now 10.6mm x 8.4mm.  My last MRI was 2 years ago.  My problem is I am leaving Sunday to go on a 5 week trip to my mom's with my boys.  The dr said she thinks it is ok if I go, just bring my disks in case.  I am scared of having to have surgery and not being able to do cyber knife if I don't get it treated asap.  I had surgery 3 years ago and it left massive nerve damage.  Also, my 4.5 month old is nursing and I worry about how this is going to effect that.  I know it may sound like a silly thing to worry about but my older son was 10 months old when I had to have surgery and I was getting way off (falling over, etc...) for a few months before that.  So I am already upset that this thing keep interfering with my being part of my children's baby-hood.  I am kind of numb and scared right now.  My husband showed me that it isn't that big, especially compared to last time.  Any reassurance?  Advice?  Should I go?  I could go and maybe do the Cyber Knife up there, assuming it can be done for me?  We will be in Tacoma, WA and have Cigna PPO, so I don't know if our insurance would take up there?

[mindyandy]

My goodness. I understand you are scared. I would send your scans to other surgeions to get their opinions. I had my scans read over and over again some say small growth and some say no growth. I would get opinions from more than just one. I do hope this is an error in reading. We are all here for you.

Mindy

[sunfish]

I agree - get a second opinion, as there's sometimes "measurement error."  Take a look at a ruler, and see how small 3mm really is - hard to be accurate with something that small.

I'm not a physician.  But I'm betting that 5 weeks will make no difference whatsoever with your outcome, although it sounds like you're having symptoms.  I think it's kind of desirable to get your treatments and followup all done in one place, with one MRI machine if possible.  So maybe you could go, and take the 5 weeks and think about your next steps?

[Angel894]

I decided to have a copy sent to my neurosurgeon.  He usually reads my scans.  I did my MRI at the same place as last time.  I will go ahead and go on my vacation.  Thank you for helping me find a more level headed perspective on this.