Other Question - Is this too small for surgery?

I have a question about the following:  I was diagnosed over 11 years ago with a brain tumor. At the time, they said it could grow & keep an eye on it, have a MRI every yr. I really haven't every yr.  At the time it was like 1 mm.  Now it is 5 mm.  It is on the right side.  It is in the posterior aspect of the suprasellar cistern.  They say it is stable and likely benign.  That is what the radiologist states.  I was told before on other reports and by other doctors it is on the pituatary gland?  I wondered if this is too small to be operated on?  Because I am having tremendous headaches, that is why it was found to start with, but my symptoms have only worsened.  

Headaches front and back, dizziness, passed out, tremendous right facial pain and right eye pain.  Neck pain.  Then separate neck pain when having the eye pain and facial pain. Slurring of speech at times.  Clear watery drainage out my nose when bending over or leaning over - this is not mucous - I know the difference, having chronic sinus problems. I know when I have sinus problems. I have gotten used to knowing when and when not. I also have ct scans to find out when and when not. I have other symptoms too - numbness in face and extremities - tingling.  I am in a lot of pain. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks. P.S. There are other things, but this is one of m y questions.  The other one I posted already. If I have to pick which one gets answered, I would prefer the other, but if you can answer both, I would be very grateful.  Thank you so much.  I am going to Cleveland in a week and half - next month to see a neurologist.  I realize this is just advice and cannot be counted as a diagnosis or whatever because you have not seen me. Thank you again..

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

Hello my professional patient ;-)
I mean that, because we rarely meet a patient like you, who know almost everything about herself.. I am finally a neurosurgeon and my opinion would be quiet different from a neurologist, so you can expect that I would operate on you after informing you  accurately about the percentage of success, and that’s also because I see that this small lesion is taking a lot of your concentration modifying your mentality and normal life.. that could harm deeply your psychological status.
Go and do your surgery, of course trans-nasally if possible.

[xmelax35]

HI, I only know all about myself because, i have had these symptoms and I have haad to learn what was going on with myself for so long.  I was passed around like a lab rat, only to have the same exact test done over and over again, nothing different as they would do at bigger hospitals or cities.  I was told by one of the doctors to learn about my condition so I knew what was going on with myself.  I have had to search high and low for a medical doctor who could take the time to look into what was wrong with me.  When I would go to see one - I live in a small city - they would spend a total of 5 minutes with me and would not even listen to what I had to say.  The last doctor said he didn't want to hear what I had to say, he was just going to go by my paperwork I had to fill out.  

I heard one doctor say that if a doctor spends takes the time to really listen and the patient is persistent enough eventually they will find the zebras.  I just heard that the other day on television.  I guess that is why I am going to Cleveland.  They helped save my dad's life and I am hoping they can find the problem with me too.  I am going out of my mind not having anyone listen to what is going one with me.  I just couldn't figure out why they would all do the same exact test.  No one would even look at my brain, except the Emergency Room.  I know they are busy here being a small city and all and the lack of doctors, but still, my health matters and I want to get better before I am old.

Anyway, thank you for listening and helping. :)

[xmelax35]

p.s. I contacted a neurosurgeon, waiting to hear back - contacted him about what is going on with me.  Especially since I passed out last month in front of my boyfriend, I think it I should be seen.  Every other type of doctor says given my history and my tests that they feel it is neurological.
I wish you were here in this state.  Not that you would want me as a patient, but talking to you on here, I feel better.  Meaning I will bet you are the type of doctor who takes the time to listen to his patients and get a good understanding of what is going on.  I appreciated it.  Oh and just a note: I am not depressed.  I know some people would be quick to be told that is what it is, but I am not. I am generally a happy person and with a great sense of humor.  I am just not happy with my health right now and very frustrated as to what is going on, anyone in my shoes would be..

Thanks again.

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

I am happy by your good opinion about me, listening to the patients is 30 % of the success and more in some special patients.
You can have headache because of the loss of CSF (watery liquid drainage), or it could also be a regular migraine or ophtalmic or even tension headache (treated with Topiramate 100 mg or/and Baclofen 25 mg)
take care and send me, if you want, your brain MRI as an attachement on: ***@****
that's how can I give you an extra opinion :)

[xmelax35]

Hello my medhelp pal! The email address you gave to me didn't show up, probably since it was on a blog.  However, if you want, if you are able to access it, you can visit my page on here (clicking on my screen name on this page) and send me a message or rather email through here, with it on it.  I know it will come through that way.  If not, I wonder if you will be able to tell by going to my page/ profile seeing my pictures that way.  I uploaded a few of them from the MRI, the last one I had that is pretty good.  Clicking on the pics, they should come up bigger.  Either way, let me know, I can send via email attachment, if you prefer.
Melissa :)

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

it s ok I found your uploaded photos, but :) these cuts do not include the pituitary gland area, moreover the quality do not help me. please start to try the medication I told you about and notify later on in a new message.
anyways I created a new category in my profile with my e-mail
best of luck

[xmelax35]

Hello there!  I am looking to find what I did with your email address.  I know you took it off and for good reason - I am sure people probably started emailing you.  Anyway, I will look for it so I can email you personally to tell you what happened.  I would like to expain because you were such a huge help!  I really mean that!  If it were not for you I would not be where I am at right now with my healthcare.  I am so happy about what happened and who I saw.  I will keep looking for where I wrote it down and email you. :)

[xmelax35]

I can't find it.  I put a bunch of stuff away in different places last week.  I may be looking too hard and over looking it.  Anyway, could you email me with it, if not I understand.  My email address is: mjshook1974 at sbcglobal dot net.   I wil see if it shows up on here this way.  I am hoping it will.  I know if you put it in the email address format it won't show up.

Talk to you later,
Me

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

for technical reason it was not feasible to insert my electronic adress.
but as I told you before keep on same treatment.
as a possible solution please download again you MRI with better quality. take care