Should I have op

[Natasha111]

Hi...any advice from anyone would be great...I have a 16mm non functioning tumour... I first went in for mri as was feeling dizzy and forgetful and seeing flashing lights and numb leg. They found a tumour and had blood test done saying that prolactin level was slightly elevated but rest of blood test were fine. I was sent in to have a meeting with a team of pros and the neurosurgeon and says I have to have a op.

I'm am wondering whether to do so or not....I'm worried about the after effects of surgery.

Shall i leave it there...can they stop growing? I could end up on a life time of pills or being worse off after surgery if my hormones are played about with..... Can this tumour kill me? If not...I'd rather be like I am now and never have big problems for years.

But if I don't have the op... Could it grow quick and they find it hard to get out of my nostril and I end up like Arnie on Mars .... Could it kill me?. How long does it take to grow....would they keep an eye on it for me instead of proding my brains when it's not causing so much harm.

Please helppppp... I'm 43 lady with 4 children... Although the youngest is 16 I am all they have...they have no dad.

[rumpled]

In the end, it is only going to grow and grow and cause more problems.

It is already 16mm and while you did not give information on where it sits (some grow up into the optic are, some wrap around blood vessels, some down into the cavernous sinus) it will eventually hit an area where it will cause either a critical issue like blindness or stroke, it can explode, or the action of the hormones going off can cause problems. It can make your quality of life progressively worse and yes, then it can kill you.

I am on replacements myself - it is pills, patches, and shots to be frank. It is not an easy life but it is actually to me a lot better than I was before.

It will not stop growing on its own.  You may also need radiation to kill areas that are inoperable - again, I don't know where  yours tumor sits.

I understand your fear completely!!! But you have to have this one out. You need a center of excellence and a very experienced surgeon (do not settle here!) and with that you may retain some hormones.  

Please post back with questions or comments... before or after surgery.

[rpwoodard]

Where in your brain is the tumor?