large epidermoid in middle right of brain

I am a 22 y/o female that was recently diagnosed with an benign epidermoid tumor in the brain. In the middle to the right side of my brain. It is 3.4 by 2.7 by 4.7 cm big, its located on the pons, brain stem, and cerebellum, its also pressing against the 4th ventricle and touching the basialr artery and due to some symptoms my Dr and I have assumed the Temperal lobe.
My symptoms include; headachs for the last 9 months, dizziness/loss of balance for the last 2 years, ringing in ears, tingling in fingers, dry mouth, fatigue, difficulty speaking reading and writing, difficulty swallowing own spit, memory problems, some double vision and pain behind right eye.
I am in the military and stationed in Hawaii. They are planning on doing the surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center here on island. I'm not sure how I feel about this but I'm not sure of my options. This hospital has done a total of 5 pressurizers. There is talk of two surgeries because of the size, there is also talk of it coming back later it life because it is on my brain stem and it would be impossible to remove it all.
Because of the risk involved, should I seek a more knowledgeable doctor, and can you refer me to a few that accept Tricare? Thank you. PFC Baker, Rhonda

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
I am not sure about the staff available in your hospital.
To be frank, the tumor, which you are carrying i a little complicated one.
So expert opinion is a must.
Also once the surgery is done, this will require a prolonged rehabilitation protocol, for who you would require the treating doctor's trust,time and care.
So go for that type of doctor, who is readily available near you , makes you understand the problems in details and is experienced also.

I hope you understood my point of concern.
This surgery will involve major area of your brain and hence recovering will take a lot of time.
Regards..

[rbaker1159]

My tumor has also grown around at least 8 of my cranial nerves.

[rbaker1159]

Any honest predictions of my out come? both long term and short term?

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

My very dear friend,
Outcome depends on the patient's trust towards the treating doctor as well as the commitment of the treating doctor towards the patient's trust and his skills.
Also in these cases, rehabilitation plays a major role.

Regards.

Please feel free to discuss more with me as a fresh post.
Also , if you are satisfied with my answer, do refer your friends also.
I have got other forums also (Arthritis , Back and Neck Surgery, Back and Spine Surgery, Brain Tumor Forum, Headaches  , Hip Surgery, Knee Surgery , Neurology/Neurosurgery, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Trigeminal Neuralgia), where you can post other related queries.