"Thanks Christine. Every little bit of progress is good, no matter how small. I should probably have a larger goal, but the funny thing is that my next goal is to be able to ride my bike again. I think mountain biking might be a bit too dangerous for…"
It's Just Benign: Connecting Benign Brain Tumor Survivors Everywhere
Christine's Discussions
Recovery Time?
15 Replies
My NS said 6 weeks is the normal recovery time. He estimates my surgery to be about 4 hours long. My M is in the right frontal lobe and not invading anywhere but very close to sinus vessel.. …Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Kathleen Walters Franz Sep 19, 2011.
Surgery scheduled
5 Replies
Well, I went to John Hopkins last Thursday the14th and was told about two treatment options; surgery or Gamma Knife. My M is located in the right frontal lobe and very close to the sinus vessel. …Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Christine Jul 28, 2011.
Meningioma diagnosis....when to see a neurosurgeon
14 Replies
I have a small meningioma on my right frontal lobe, which was found in 2008. It has grown slightly and measures 1.4cm x 1.4cm x 1cm. So my neurologist has been monitoring it. I have been having…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Todd Koonce Jul 31, 2011.
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Kathleen Walters Franz replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"I am 16 years out from when I had a Menigioma behind my right eye. It was the size of a lemon. It took Hopkins to finally diagnose it. I had to have emergency surgery, so I didn't have time to agonize over it. I had…"
John replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"Alan,
Little games really do help. It's strange, but sometimes when I am having a headache, playing my little phone app games will help relieve it. I think it may be the mindless focusing, I'm not sure. I don't think I am…"
John replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"Hi Christine,
I too am glad to hear you are home and recovering well it seems. The fatigue I believe is normal. I had surgery about just a month ago yesterday (still can't believe it's been a month already!) and my energy level is…"
Laura B. Spande replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"There were "up" days and "down" days for me. I do remember walking in any hallway and feeling like the walls were caving in on me. I had forgotten about not being able to sleep on my side...yes, that was quite…"
Amanda replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"I am so excited that you are home and already posting an update! I have been hoping/praying things went well! The fatigue and nausea are pretty common (based on my own experience and what others have said, too.) Congratulations, things are gonna get…"
Christine replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"I got home on Thurs. from the hospital. It is nice to sleep in my own bed. I have been doing pretty well just very easily tired. Today is the first day I have felt really blah and down. My head hurts but Tylenol is all I need which is nice. I am…"
Laura B. Spande replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"Just wondering how you are doing now after your surgery...
One of my issues after surgery was sleeping. Seems like in the hospital you can never get much sleep since the nurses and doctors are in quite frequently to check up. I had much…"
Alan Smith replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"John, I've been doing a lot of sudoku and crossword puzzles to help keep my brain active. I was very emotional for quite a while after my surgery. I felt very lucky to have lived through my ordeal and appreciated life that much more because of…"
Amanda left a comment for Christine"Hi Christine! Thunking if you an sending you healing thoughts and prayers! Remember, you are stronger than you can even imagine! The body is built to heal! You are incredible and things will get better! Blessings, Amanda"
John replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"It's been about 3 weeks since my open biopsy. I have to say that the first week was pretty tough going with the pain management. The cranial pressure I had was pretty immense and I had a tough time resting and sleeping. It turned out that I was…"
John left a comment for Christine"Hi Christine,
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and I'm sure everything will go well. Wish you the best and a speedy recovery. Just remember that recovery will take time, but things WILL get better, I promise.
John"
Laura B. Spande replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"Just remember that 6 weeks is the estimate if all goes well with no complications. I was out 4 months due to an infection from the surgical sight. Expect some side effects that Beth has discussed on this website. All side effects…"
Christine left a comment for Lisa Orloff"Thanks, Lisa. It is encouraging to hear other people's experiences.
Christine"
Amanda replied to Christine's discussion Recovery Time?"Hi Christine! Like you said, everyone's recovery time is different....I know it's easy to say, but, as much as you are able, take it day by day or hour by hour. Some things went faster than exlected and others things took longer. I wanted…"
Profile Information
- Who are you?
- Survivor
- What type of tumor do/did you have?
- Meningioma located on my rt. frontal lobe.
- What kind of info do you want from this site?
- To see what avenues patients have taken who have the same type of tumor I have. I would like to connect personal experiences along with medical direction to make decisions for myself.
- What state or country are you located in?
- New York
- How did you find itsjustbenign.org? Please be as specific as possible.
- Browsing the web
Comment Wall (7 comments)
- At 7:11pm on September 27, 2011, John said…
- Thanks Christine. Every little bit of progress is good, no matter how small. I should probably have a larger goal, but the funny thing is that my next goal is to be able to ride my bike again. I think mountain biking might be a bit too dangerous for me now unfortunately, but hoping to get on my commuter bike again soon. Are you able to drive yet?
Regarding the fatigue, it will stay for a bit, but will improve and your stamina will improve as well. Just have to keep at it. I'm doing physical therapy right now (about a month now) and it's actually making me MORE tired due to the extra activity, but like any exercise, it'll pay off soon. Also, it's a great way to relieve stress of course. Did your NS recommend PT as well? I go in about twice a week and do my routines at home for the other 5 days.
- At 8:19pm on August 29, 2011, Amanda said…
- Hi Christine! Thunking if you an sending you healing thoughts and prayers! Remember, you are stronger than you can even imagine! The body is built to heal! You are incredible and things will get better! Blessings, Amanda
- At 5:32pm on August 29, 2011, John said…
Hi Christine,
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and I'm sure everything will go well. Wish you the best and a speedy recovery. Just remember that recovery will take time, but things WILL get better, I promise.
John
- At 9:47pm on August 12, 2011, Lisa Orloff said…
Hi Christine,
I am a left temporal lobe brain surgery survivor, surgery 2 years ago in October. I asked your questions many times before my surgery and got a lot of different answers. The best way to think about it, is how you are defining "recovery." 6 weeks sounds about right for the very basic: pain management and daily functioning. However, give yourself a break and time to recovery regarding resting, relaxing and the specific functions for the right frontal lobe. The best answer I received was 6 weeks to one year. My left temporal affected my memory and word finding. Where I got in one year, is where I am still, which is good. The surgery and recovery have made me who I am today. Different than I was before. It's been an amazing experience; I wouldn't change a thing. Best of luck; you'll be fine.
- At 11:40pm on July 10, 2011, Amanda said…
- You are amazing! Congrats on getting the appointments! I love quotes (I have developed many "mantras" I have to help me remember to breathe!) One of my favorites is, "Hope is the feeling that the feeling you have right now, won't last forever." Please message if you have any questions about appointments or questions to ask. I hope you are having some fun, peaceful moments with your little one!
- At 11:03pm on July 6, 2011, Amanda said…
- Hi Christine! Hope you are doing well, just wanted to check in and see how you are feeling! Take care!
- At 6:09pm on June 20, 2011,
Beth Rosenthal said… - Hello Christine and thanks for joining. I started this site because I had such difficulty finding benign brain tumor survivors, like myself. I'm a long term survivor (but have many side-effects): diagnosed in 1985 at age 11. Besides connecting with survivors, we can exchange medical info, get support, etc. There is a Q & A with a neurosurgeon and a nutritionist under the Resources tab. Also there are many different groups such as religious discussions, migraines, seizures, depression and anxiety, etc. It's Just Benign now has its own store. All proceeds help maintain this website. So if you shop online, please shop through our "store" tab link. There are over 20 stores. Thanks again for joining. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
© 2012 Created by Beth Rosenthal.
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