low grade brain tumour

[jeanyb]

Hey there. My name is Jeany and I am 42 years old. I have been experiencing right side numbness and tingling mainly in arm and leg for a year and had 3 mris which all indicate a low grade tumour in the left parietal lobe, close to the mid line. Have now had biopsy and am waiting for results. My first reaction is to want surgery to try and get rid but on reflection am concerned about possible side effects? Also surprised at how spaced out I'm still feeling 5 days after surgery for biopsy, is this normal? Have been advised not to drive although have not had any seizures, how long is this likely? My family seem to be in shock and I feel I am supporting them which is quite difficult. I would love to hear from others with similar experiences or advice. Love to all of you who find yourself here, J xx

[brainman]

jeanyb, I am very sorry about your health concerns. I know what it is like to be waiting for results to confirm what the doctors highly suspect. You can read all my story at the links in my signature block.

I was diagnosed in 1992 with a glioma grade II but it did recur in 2005 as a grade III. Unlike you, my primary symptoms are seizures. Originally, I authorized the doctor to remove the whole tumor. However, once the surgeon was in there and could see clearly that removing the whole thing had a high probability of leaving me unable to speak or use my right side, he opted just to do a biopsy and try chemotherapy first. That worked well for me.

When it recurred in 2005, I had the surgery and radiation therapy. I now have some stuttering problems and right sided weakness and balance problems.

I can understand why they are asking you not to drive. You are just finding out what life is like post brain surgery. Give yourself some time to make sure you do not start to have seizures unexpectedly.

I remember the shock, fear and anger my family and I felt when we first heard the word "Cancer". For several weeks, it was like we did not have a future and just lived one day at a time. It was hard on an already weak relationship between me and my then wife.

You are doing the right thing by searching out help wherever you can get it. I hope we can help support you and help you understand the dizzying information you will be receiving over the next few weeks/months/years.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[jeanyb]

Thanks for your rapid response Jim. My profession of counsellor inherently means I want to talk things through but there seems to be a distinct lack of people willing or able to do so. Another question is I asked my neurosurgeon directly if i have cancer and he said no believing this tumour to be benign, although he can't be sure until results are in. My research is conflicting as some reports say all tumours in the brain are cancer and always become higher grade if left. What is your experience? Btw, your story fills me with hope, many thanks Jeany xx

[brainman]

Jeany, I too have a background that includes counseling in addition to 20+ years as a professional hospital chaplain.

Jeany, there are indeed benign brain tumors (grade I). Not only do they exist but they are not a rare as malignant tumors. The problem is that unlike tumors in most other organs, a tumor benign tumor in the brain can cause the exact same symptoms/problems that a malignant tumor can. Because the brain is in a restricted space, it has no room even for a small change.

I do hope and pray that it is benign because that means your prognosis is so much better.

[jeanyb]

Hi Jim,
thanks again for responding, I have noticed you always reply to everyone and that is such a great thing to do because I guess we are all a little scared, confused and wanting answers when this is not always possible. I'm going to post on the brain tumour thread as this seems more appropriate and will put me in touch with others. Not sure if you can transfer the thread though?
Jeany x