Dear Wanda,
Welcome to caring spot to be in this ANA forum is a welcoming one, full of caring individuals like yourself in all walks of life. Myself,( I am 56 and was diagnosed in 2004) At first it's scary it really is but when you've settled down some and done a ton of research, you will be overwhelmed at first and feel different. You will certainly learn a lot about yourself, don't count out your strength and resilience as long as you go into this with a positive attitude, you should do fine!
You may be shocked to realize that acquaintances you have made may start to retreat once they hear that you have a brain tumor but assure them that it is a benign one. There is a difference between malignant and benign.
I know how alone you can feel I traveled this AN journey alone at first in 2004, going to 14 neurosurgeons (wanting to avoid brain surgery) you see I had had a previous brain surgery in 1974 for an AVM (totally nonrelated) What a waste of time that was! After which I spent years recovering my speech and strengthening and adapting my left side. In 2004, I thought how often does lightening (brain operation) strike twice, I was shocked to say the least!
Please be assured that you have found a safe place to come at whatever hour that you like.and discuss whatever you'd like....I know it is often sleepless once you are newly diagnosed... Here we can and will help if you'll let us. You have discovered a fountain of knowledge!
What you have to do now is first research the size, then with your trusted physician (neurologist) decide on the treatment modality that you would like whether it is surgery or radiation and be sure to get treated at a well respected center, I have found that the number of operations done is generally among good surgeons in the hundreds, and then proceed with treatment.
Depending on the size of your tumor is the first step toward proper treatment. you may want 3 opinions, to be sure.
Good luck, I will be praying for you. Once again, discovering a tumor is a chance to slow down and reprioritze things in your life, at least it was for me.
For more on it read THE YELLOW FLAG.
one of your new friends,
Mike
