Thank God I Had a Stroke : A Stroke and Brain Tumour Survivor’s Journey of Recovery

I had a twenty-year IT management career, making more money than I deserve, travelling the world, enjoying my family, my friends, my work. But despite all of this, I felt something was missing. I was am a Christian. But I felt it was something […]. Almost two years ago, I was diagnosed with a grade II oligodendroglioma.

I was 17 and a month into my senior year of high school. I had a total resection and am not receiving any treatment currently, besides MRIs every four months. I have a new tumor beginning to grow, which is progressing very slowly. After the 6 hour operation, I went into the intensive care unit […]. In I was in the US Army and the best shape of my life. That year would also be one of the toughest years and one that would forever change me. After migraines, confusion, and many trips to different doctors I received the call.

I was actually at home recovery from a ureteroscopic kidney […]. I decided to complete 10 Triathlons over the summer that added up to an Ironman Triathlon 2. This is a cause that for me that has hit close to home and the heart. My sister Marilyn was complaining of severe headaches for about a week at the end of July.

She assumed it was because she needed a new prescription for her eyeglasses. On August 1st, she fainted in a public park […]. No headaches, seizures or symptoms. MRI unexpectedly discovered a tumor. Oligodendroglioma not related to the fall. Panic and fear set in. Support from family, friends and my husband helped me cope.

Anna Asher Lester was a beautiful daughter, sister, wife and friend. On April 14, , her life changed forever. After a few weeks of progressively worsening headaches and nausea, Anna had a massive seizure while in the ER of a local hospital. Had she not been in the ER at the time, this story would […]. My 27 year old daughter, Alysha, fought Glioblastoma for 14 months. It was unexpected, of course. There is no cure and we just prayed she would be with us for as long as possible. Aly was a bright light in our lives.

Back in , life was pretty good. My husband and I had moved to the United States from Germany for work reasons four years before. We got married on a cold but beautiful winter day in NYC in January I left his office feeling stupid. He revealed that it was nothing and to carry […]. She is my Inspiration! On August 1, I heard the words no parent ever wants to hear. Seven days prior, my then 15 month old son, Luke, had woken in the morning and vomited.

My husband and I thought he was just fighting a stomach bug. My name had a brain tumor Cancer at young age of 51yrs old she had 1 surgery on Oct and then 2nd surgery on May She fought she did so good w treatment. But on Dec 2nd she passed on her slept so she had the tumor 14 months. I am asking you to fight alongside me by making a donation to my team.

My cousin Lindsay Gray bravely faught to recover from a brain tumor and even returned to her duty as a respected […]. She lived her life as normally as was possible, it was a life that revolved around her awesome family and friends. The spring of was not the usual for the Toner family. Mothers day we received a call from my dad Buds neighbor in Florida telling us something was not normal with his routine. Living alone although very capable we were alarmed. I called and he seemed confused. We were told he was throwing everything […].

The first began growing in My symptoms were excruciating migraines several times a month. Doctors checked but had no answers. Then in , a second tumor began growing and the migraines increased. Doctors checked and told me I was doing too much. They said I […]. I had a Grand-mal seizure event at church on a Wednesday night in A head CT discovered a mass on my left frontal lobe. The MRI revealed a golf ball sized tumor.

After an eight and half hour surgery a Meningioma was the type of tumor it was. The surgeon had to leave a […]. At the end of June , I was in a hit-and-run accident on the freeway while coming home from work in San Francisco. Amazingly, I walked away with nothing but a sore back and a stiff neck.

My family and friends were grateful that my car took the brunt of the damage, but encouraged me […]. Often I am asked where do I find my strength.. She always said […]. We formed a friendship and together with a group of dedicated people, started a non-profit called […]. Our mission is to move glioblastoma from terminal to treatable, powered by patients. This is an utterly positive, great idea born out of the wholly negative diagnosis of glioblastoma. Hello all, Christine Ann Felder was a normal, healthy, fun, and loving mother.

She was a courtroom clerk for the Howard County Circuit Court for almost 11 years. I believe she was put on this Earth to touch the lives of others. My mother touched the lives […]. My name is Ruby. I am from Nepal born in middle class family. On January , my small sis was suffering from headache, nausea, and vomiting.

She was 9 when she got a brain tumor called Pilocytic astrocytoma. At that time, in Nepal doctor […]. My name is Joan Smith. My husband Jeff had been having difficulty retrieving his words and completing his thoughts, which was extremely out of character for my well-spoken and educated husband. He went to his GP who dismissed his symptoms as […]. Just 68 days before I was supposed to walk down the aisle and marry my best friend.

My whole life changed in that moment that I heard the dreaded C word, and I was just trying to understand it […]. My son Ace; beautiful, outgoing, compassionate, feisty, strong, a warrior, a fighter. Traumatic brain injury survivor after tumor removal at 7 years old. Shortly after of my second child turned one and his older sister three, I began to notice I would get a sharp pain in my head when I was reaching upward.

We decided to make sure it was nothing serious so I made an apiontment with the local neurologist. When the neurolist called me to […]. Jim was very predictable, so when he did something out of character, I knew we had a problem. In August of my husband of 25 years had the flu. He had never been sick in 25 years. He was a fisherman for sport I begged someone to test for west niles or Lyme disease. It took us 1 month an finally […]. Hello my name is Kelsey. I was diagnosed 2 years ago after having a grand mal seizure and had surgery a few days later. Here I am exactly 2 years later preparing for my second surgery this Tuesday the 23rd.

In Jan 95, I had just turned 29, my son was 13months old, and my wife and I had been married a little over 2 years. I was on a business trip, when I complained of not feeling well. Towards the end of the meeting, I had a Grand Mal seizure. The company EMTs were […]. When someone leaves us, we grieve for what was, what is and what could have been. Like many of you, I will miss her tremendously.

But a couple years in, however, things began to change. My attitude shifted; I was both disinterested and irritable. I lost my sense of humor, my personal relationships suffered. Within six months, I quit the baseball team, then flunked out […]. In , I was diagnosed with two myofibrocystoblastic pseudotumors starting in my mastoids and progressing under my brain. Through two mastoidectomies to remove as much tumor as possible from under my brain and large doses of steroids the tumors stopped. I was just informed December the tumors have just doubled in size in six […]. I wanted to share my story because what I have is not something that is common.

I am a lucky one in the sense that what I have can never be or turn into cancer and that within itself is wonderful!! I was diagnosed in May of with a colloid cyst and the finding […]. Sean Ratliff will turn 29 years old on January 31, His brain tumor is a grade 2 astrocytoma in the right frontal lobe.

He has had his brain tumor for 10 years. The out of the blue seizure happened at home during his first year of college at Johnson and Wales University and Charlotte […]. I am Azim Khan, I am going to tell you about my cancer battle. My cancer battle begins with numbness. One day in Feb , two of my fingers in right hand suddenly lost their sensation.

I was residing with my family in Saudi Arabia at the time and we made an appointment […]. For several months until August , I suffered from severe and intermittent headaches which were only worsening. Many doctors that I have seen thought it to be a Migraine. One doctor referred me to a Psychologist saying that I was too stressed. Psychologist confirmed that I was too stressed and prescribed me some medicines. On June 18th of this year out of the blue I had a Grand Mal seizure.

Hello, my name is Dana, and I am writing this story for Andy. I am his girlfriend of a year. We met on-line about this time last year. I was very anxious about our first date. You never know what kind of crazy you […]. I started late in life trying to understand, to get straight, what life is about. At first, I guess I thought it is was about having what I wanted rather sharing and devotedly providing for others. I paid deeply for that selfishness. And Death from Cancer was part of my picture, taking my beautiful, truly […].

October 04, I went to the doctors office just for a regular visit, but I had mentioned that I had headaches all the time. On my way back home, they […]. I was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. I grew up in a small town outside of Raleigh called Youngsville. I seemed normal as a kid. Things all kids do. At 10 years of age, I started having balance issues.

I started throwing up once a week. My parents took me […]. When I was younger I used to get a lot of headaches and migraines. They were so bad that they would make me sick to my stomach and I missed a lot of class. I went to an eye doctor because I could see well. He told my mom I was lying and that I […]. My sister Lacey is the kind of person that everyone likes. Now that I look back people like her make the saying, the good die young. When I was a junior in college, doctors discovered a tumor growing out of my brain — stem. Ok, by discovered, I mean that one day it grew so big, that it put pressure on my right optical nerve.

I grew-up an […]. I live in the beautiful seaside city of Cape Town, South Africa. I have an amazing husband and family. It was 4 years into marriage when my husband and I decided we would try for a baby. After 4 months we were blessed with a baby boy. I had a dream pregnancy […]. My daughter thought he was having a stroke so we rushed him to the Emergency hospital.

Let me add we were on vacation and this was day one of our vacation. March this year my elderly 86 but young at heart — driving, shopping, going to soccer games and church going father said he felt a bit unwell, wanted to go to bed for a good sleep, then he started taking 2 or 3 seizures which I woke him from. I called emergency services as I […]. In the summer of I started to notice that I was suffering from headaches quite often.

I was becoming accustomed too taking mg of nsaids daily. My symptoms started to get worse with dizziness and blurred vision. I had recently graduated from paramedic school and was feeling pretty good about myself for once. I suffered a mild seizure on the morning of Oct 2, Today, 8 months post surgery, radiation and 6 rounds of chemo, I am cancer free! Recovering from brain surgery is tricky. I am very fortunate to […]. So I wrote my first story a year ago. I was diagnosed with brain cancer, went through the whole chemo, radiation treatment, and now I am on the Optune device to keep this cancer at bay.

Glioblastoma has a high reoccurrence rate. So I was moving right along and passed my 1 year mark of […]. My meningioma was over 20 years old, 6 cm in size size of a plum and in the back of my head. Everything seemed fine until about a year before it was found. I started with my primary care to discuss headaches, joint pain and fatigue. No idea what was going on but told […]. I took the radiation. I have been married for 31 years with […]. I am sharing this story on behalf of my son Javier Z.

Garza who was only 5 years old when he was diagnosed with a JPA brain tumor. My son was an average, healthy, intelligent and thriving boy, but I noticed a change in him when he began wanting to spend more and more time […]. Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with GBM. I survived neurosurgery, radiation, and 14 months of chemo treatments and today I am retired but very active spending my time to make the world a better place.

I retired from a career in public service and non-profit administration, and use my talents to raise awareness and […]. My diagnosis with brain cancer, a glioblastoma, came after a small seizure in December Three months later my 23 year old son Trevor learned he also had brain cancer, grade 3 astrocytoma, when he had a severe seizure.

My diagnosis was shocking and scary but when we learned that Trevor had brain cancer the […]. My first memory is a terrible headache. I was treated for a sinus infection, but it was something far more sinister than that. Eventually I started losing my balance. I was immediately hospitalized and put on large doses of steroids to make me bulk […]. My nightmare began February 16 of My son was diagnosed with a Pineal Blastoma.

I had no idea what it was or how it would affect him. Little did I know it would snatch him right out of my life an exact year later on February 18 of As a two year old […]. Who could have possibly predicted something so small could forever change our entire lives? My mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor on December 16th, Our entire family was shocked. We had no idea what we were in for. I actually got a call from her work on December 16th, which was a Friday. They tried getting a hold of my dad, who was also an emergency contact that […].

In August of , my life took a turn into the unknown. After months of experiencing dizziness among other symptoms, my parents took me to my pediatrician to get checked out. My doctor did blood work to check for all sorts of answers to my symptoms. The following day, my family and I received a […]. I was almost 7 when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor called astrocytoma. They said I might not have made it if we had waited another year. The only reason we found it is because my right eye kept turning in and I had really bad headaches. Being that it tumor sits on my optic nerve if it was removed I would have been blind.

I had radiation to kill my tumor. I Also have a VP Shunt to help the pressure around my tumor. Living with a […]. Ever since my sister was born I loved her more than anything. So to find out my sister had a brain tumor devastated me and my family. I will never forget the day my sister got the phone call and they said that she had a tumor. My dad and sister immediately went to the […].

See, he was born with the tumor, so the ER doctor said. It was that big! Had to have been missed on the ultrasounds, and we missed all the signs and symptoms. At the age of 3 […]. I was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor on September 16, My brain was massively swollen from the tumor. Sugurery was performed 4 days later. Wonderful doctors and staff at Universiry of Colorado removed the tumor and helped me recover.

I returned to my hometown to find the overwhelming support and comfort of the […]. I am the mother of Keegan Mulligan. I am here to share with you the story of my strong son. We found his tumor during an ER visit in October of after complaining of not feeling well once again and noticing his hyperextension of his back and neck. He had a tumor they size […]. My name is Jack, and I am currently eleven years old.

I started this campaign because my grandpa passed away from a GBM grade 4 tumor. He was only 66 I was only 10 I watched him deteriorate with my own eyes He went from the very expressive man he used to be, to the […]. I was diagnosed with two brain tumors 8 years ago, at the age of In April of , I was at work as a special education teacher when one of my students tipped his desk onto my foot.

It fell on my toes, so they sent me to the doctor. I was checking in with the nurse there and she was asking about my current meds. I could see […]. In January , he fell ill to a GBM grade 4 and had surgery to remove as much as they could get. He had radiation […]. On August 13, our lives changed. My story begins as so many others with this terrible tumor.

One of complete shock. My daddy is 69 years old. A man who has spent his entire life taking care of himself physically and mentally. He has no other medical conditions. So our shock hits mid December We think daddy has had a […]. Both my twin brother and I are pediatric brain tumor survivors. My brother was diagnosed at the age of 7 and I was diagnosed 5 years later at the age of We both survived the same tumor pineal germinoma following intensive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. We are now both cancer free at the age […].

Most of his life he was very active and healthy so getting this news was a shock to me and my family. His surgery was performed on December 4th, , it was successful removing most of the tumor. At the age of 11 I lost my dad, my hero, after a 6 year battle with brain cancer. But my sister and I knew that night stays in the hospital […]. Two years ago my entire world change. I was a happy, healthy, 25 year old who enjoyed the outdoors, staying active, going to concerts and hanging with my friends and family. I was experiencing odd changes with my body like my hearing being clogged and also a sporadic numbness on the right side of my […].

Our little Walker was 7 months old when I realized something was not right. He had been diagnosed with torticollis when he was just 2 months old and had been going to physical therapy for it ever since. It seemed to be improving until December of Was on a cruise one day, got home and had a seizure, no previous symptoms, woke up in a hospital room with an obnoxious doctor announcing I have Glioblastoma, WTF.

Was prescribed Kepra for seizures made me flip out, locked up house in Florida moved back to ny temporarily and am getting care from Sloan, […]. I got hit in football I thought it was a concussion. Then, maybe a year later me and my mom went to the hospital to the concussion clinic and she said I needed an MRI. I was really scared my dad and my mom made me feel better. Then, the oncologist came […]. It was growing in his right brain stem, and it was inoperable. After the biopsy, he was sent home for 2 weeks before starting any […]. I was on the first vacation ever,in over 10 years.

I was doing yard work at my house and enjoying the weather. I woke up at the hospital […]. My Son past Away on March 3, He fought this brain cancer battle for 7 years. He has made me so proud of him. He accomplished so much. He graduated college and fulfilled his dream of being an 12th grade English teacher, at Providence High School.

He taught his entire family something new everyday. I had my first MRI on June 3, and my meningioma was discovered and it was growing in between both halves of my brain and the pressure was causing minor symptoms at first until finally I started getting more and more symptoms. I was refereed to a neurologist in April and had to […]. We were married for 30 years. She was a compass to what was right, my guiding light, and my soulmate. I loved her very much.

We have 2 grown boys and a beautiful daughter-in-law. Carol will be greatly missed by many […]. As posted on my Facebook page on July 20th, Well … Yesterday, I was given a gift. My husband Steve and I met with 2 doctors about the success of the surgery and the next steps that we will be taking. I will be a bit clinical here because it will be easier for […]. My husband was diagnosed with GBM June 21, The diagnosis was extremely shocking. None of us had never even heard about GBM. He was given 9 months to a year to live.

His tumor was in the left frontal lobe about an inch down, inoperable. He declined rapidly following radiation and Chemotherapy. About 3 weeks after […]. My husband passed out at work on He was rushed to the ER where he was diagnosed with a 4 cm mass on his right frontal lobe. He woke up fine from surgery. They had to take him back in on to […].

I recently had a craniotomy in December to remove a Grade I Meningioma about the size of a marble. I have never had seizures. This was just a brain tumor that […]. I am almost 6 years clear of any evidence of cancer in my brain or anywhere else due to level 4 glioblastoma. I was not given much change to live but I had successful surgery, radiation and chemo. Since the beginning and still now I have done the following things: Scott had been complaining for months of a stomach ache.

She then began throwing up bile a few times a week and I took her to the ER. I thought they were going to tell me she had reflux. The doctor came back and said she had a brain tumor the size of a […]. I was at work on a hot Friday afternoon when my sister called and said she went to the ER while on vacation because of a headache. She had headaches her entire life.

This just seemed like another trip to the ER. But this time it was horrifyingly different. The CT scan revealed a large […]. Hi there, I have created a blog that describes my journey with a non-cancerous acoustic neuroma. This has affected me in a variety of ways. In tis blog, I have included photos as well as my personal experience. Please take a look and share: Thank you so much, Meagan https: My name is Kim, I have been in remission from a brain tumor sor some 23 years now. The past year, my Neurologist Dr. Allen found something new. How tough life is!

I have to […]. Our son Paul lost his fight with brain cancer at age 12, He lived several years longer than expected. He never let this get him down because he cherished every moment. It taught us as a family that life is short but always sweet. We would not take back one day of this illness, […].

I am a lifelong migraine sufferer and had them well controlled with prescription medication. This summer, I had a migraine that I could not control with my normal rescue medication and sought the care of my local emergency room. I just found this site while searching for some information about the after effects of having undergone Brain Surgery. I needed Brain surgery in after going to my primary care doctor for an earache. Id been seen in February , given 2 weeks of antibiotics.

After 2 weeks I was to go back […]. At a mere 47 years old, my father was taken from me. It was my freshman year of college, move in day, when I got the call. Before I left him that same day, he was in rough shape. I sat next to him in bed and told him how much I loved him and […]. My little brain surgery recovery Dec. In I met the person that would become my soulmate. Whoa, who is the tall guy? Its been 5 years since the passing of my brother Chris.

Funny how it seems like yesterday and sometimes it seems like a lifetime. I only hope I have done him proud since he has left the physically world. So much of who I am all the good , is because of who he was and […]. Faster than a speeding bullet, the year-old ran five miles following his first radiation treatment. And this dynamic man sporting the Superman emblem intends to leap beyond cancer with a boost from an innovative […]. I was at work planning a nice family dinner to celebrate. Urine tests, blood […]. My name is Heidi, my sister Natalie was diagnosed with brain cancer a little over two years ago.

We finally had to accept it, but more so Natalie had to. She is 34, a mother of […]. In I took myself to the hospital because I had a horrible headache that had me curled up in a ball on the floor. I had never felt a headache this severe before. I could feel every movement of […]. I found out I had a brain tumor in August Then it advanced to a full-blown seizure. I went to my doctor the next day after the seizure that had busted face and mouth gets the kitchen countertop.

My primary care […]. Amaya Miller is my granddaughter, at the time she was enrolled in gymnastics. She is very talented in this particular sport. In , I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, when I was 17 and finishing up my last year in high school. They also occurred during basketball games. I had stomach pain but it more bothersome then anything. Brushed it off that something must have been bothering me, like my daughter going to college or that maybe something was going on at […]. If someone were to ask me what I have learned from being diagnosed from a brain tumor , the first thing I would say is this.

Expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything. My Gramma was diagnosed in November of , she was The prognosis was not good. They gave her the available treatment options and she decided to go with an experimental chemo treatment. She figured her study would help someone else who had a better chance at survival. She fought and hung on for 7 […]. It has now been over six years since I received a terrifying cellphone call from my wife Leslie in which she could hardly speak. I got home quickly and rushed her to the ER.

I got diagnosed with a braintumor this february and it was quite a shock because I went to the hospital because we thought my sinusitis had caused a meningitis The first week I only had the sinusitis, but in the second week my neck started to hurt and I had to puke all the time […]. Twenty five years ago , I was diagnosed with a tumor that the radiologist suggested leaving alone as it was probably slow growing. I elected for surgery at JHH and fortunately had an acoustic neuroma- benign and only lost hearing in one ear. Several years ago, I had a sudden seizure and was diagnosed […].

I am now ready to tell HIS story! His name is Richard A. He was the epitome of health, and worked very hard as a Golf Course Superintendent for over 20 years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed his family. He took pride in what he did, and loved spending time with his kids […]. I have a beautiful wife and 2 kids: Hi , I just wanted to share. Well a year prior to me Have a Gran-ball seizer I My brother passed away of lung cancer at 44 and he never smoked. A year later […]. After my wife, Niki, fell in the shower, a CT scan at the hospital revealed 5 tumors.

Jill Bolte Taylor: My stroke of insight | TED Talk

A subsequent biopsy indicated they were Glioblastoma Multiforme, grade 4. That was March 29th. With her performance factor being so poor and degrading daily, and no humane treatment options available, we came home, where I kept her as […]. Susan Hilburger, brain cancer survivor My name is Susan Hilburger. I am 40 years-old and a native of Buffalo, N. This is my story of how I received a life altering diagnosis, made a drastic career change, and overcame all odds by surviving brain cancer and becoming a wife and mother. Prior to being diagnosed […].

I remember the first morning I woke up and felt nauseous for hours and eventually vomited. At first I thought it was just a bug, but that feeling and constant sickness would last every single day for over two years. I would wake up feeling lightheaded and nauseous, eventually vomit, then get on with my […]. A year ago today my sister, mom, and dad were planning a vacation to go on a cruise. Last October, my dad suffered from what we […]. Hello, I was seven when I had my first partial removal of the brainstem cerebellar astrocytoma. Though it was benign, it was located in an area that complete removal meant damaging nerves and leaving me with disabilities.

Doctors wanted to keep the quality of life and two years after the surgery I had radiation therapy […]. My husband lived for 18 months from diagnosis. Dragging right foot, slight headaches. Next thing we knew… He had many tumors in his brain. I could not stop crying. I knew he […]. My husband was diagnosed with glio blastoma stage 4 brain cancer.

After having many seizures and abnormal Mris for a bout a year a new mass appeared and in April he had a brain operation for a biopsy. One week in the hospital, one week in rehab and then home he declined so rapidly […]. My father was diagnosed with what they thought was a benign brain tumor in early January August 1 by 4 am woke up with sudden noise right ear , was musical ,and my audibility was down,same ear, here was three type of noise appreciated, well as i was ENT surgeon I got a PTA test found that very mild low frequency HL right at 20 HZ, left normal, DID a […].

It started but from , having a history from , as a T. B which i undertakes all drugs injection 60 in number. It is still disturbing me to date. I am awaiting for an operation any time at national hospital. Did people just not get cancer in the old days? Or did a lot of people have cancer and now we just know how to detect it? Was there always this much attention paid to it? Or do I just notice it more? All that matters is that June 19 will be […]. On January 28, our lives changed drastically. Within the last 2 years I have lost my beautiful sister Grace and my friends Terri and Marianne to brain cancer.

My sister also lost her 2 year old grandson to brain cancer as well. His name is Patrick. I am also now praying for my long time high school friend Carolyn through her journey […]. I have been a doctor for thirty years. I have been a primary caregiver with a philosophy always to treat patients the way I would treat myself or my family. I have always been a teacher […]. The Brain Tumor walk is quickly approaching and I am so excited to gather a team and raise not only money for further research, but awareness of brain tumors and cancer overall.

I never thought for a second that this would be my journey. My entire life I have always strived to […]. Gather up my cancer kit of tools that included a go smacks of fear and a piss poor attitude. I have gliomatosis cerebri, a rare brain cancer. Only people are diagnosed annually in the US.

When diagnosed in , there was a 0. God has blessed […]. I was very privileged to meet Joe over 6 years ago. We were married in June of To add our great family are my two daughters, Rae 19 and Emme After just a couple of months of blissful marriage we found out that Joe has a mass on his brain, which will required surgery. Let me start by saying I should have known better. I worked in the radiation therapy field at the time and had several years experience.

OK having said that here we go. In May of I had a very bad head ache had , had it for four days. On the evening of the […]. My husband, Terry, was diagnosed in with oligodendroglioma after a grand mal seizure when he was just 25 years old. Since then, Terry has been through radiation, several chemos, and is scheduled to have his third brain surgery this Friday, July 15, I have seen this disease suck the life out of him. I had horrible stabbing pains in my head for several years. I always joked with my best friend at work that they would find me dead at my desk one day from the […].

It was Jan I just turned Son was 13 months old. I never had headaches. No loss of balance. Nothing to indicate that there was something wrong. Life was good and I was wearing shades looking into a bright future. I suffered a Grand Mal seizure and was rushed […]. My mother was only 63 years old when she lost her 21 month long battle with GBM Glioblastoma. She was a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend whose life was taken too soon. Healthy all her life, she began experiencing difficulty remembering things, frequent mood swings and depression and crippling headaches.

She was diagnosed 2 […]. A week later he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma grade 4 tumor and was given 6 months to live. Instead of worrying about himself my Dad was more concerned about setting things up to ensure everyone would be taken care […]. I pray everyday this is my lucky number!! I never got mad at anyone I prayed and ask God to help me fight this upcoming battle with me!

I had great friends and family to rely on and a […]. We lived in Tampa, and my wife was very dissatisfied that my first hospital wanted my to wait a month for another MRI before considering surgery. Surgery date is coming up on May 10th. I will be traveling cross country only to find myself in brain surgery.

It is quite difficult for me to recount the exact timing of my prognosis, but, with the help of my boyfriend documenting for me, we could recall that my first seizure had occurred around […]. I was lucky enough to be able to be her caretaker during this rollercoaster. Brain cancer is a family disease, it effects those around you as you watch the […]. I was 26 years old when I found out that I had a brain tumor. I had a 4 year old and I had recently given birth. My symptoms were seeing double, projectile vomiting, and headaches.

I had these symptoms the entire time I […]. When I was in the third grade my father was diagnosed with lung cancer and in the fifth grade it had spread to his brain. Those months were hard because I saw the active energetic man transformed into a shell of his former self. He no longer wanted to play catch or do anything else […].

I was diagnosed with a Pituitary Tumor about three years ago. I often wonder how many people […]. This was my oldest son Michael. He passed away from Brain Cancer last August at the age of He was always very healthy and his symptoms came on very suddenly. In late June of he started having headaches that increased rapidly within a short period of time approximately 2 weeks.

She thought she was having mini strokes. Feb 18, , I was diagnosed with a brain tumor-a Schwannoma which was pressing on my right optic nerve causing me major headaches, double vision and my eye was not moving. I had surgery to remove the tumor, and all seemed to go well, until end of last year when I started having double vision.

I had just gotten back from storytelling in New Zealand and Hawaii, when I felt a little soreness in my right leg. I checked with my doctor who said it was just small problem, and not to worry. But then I checked with my acupuncture doctor, and he said to worry. I went in for […]. The intensity of the treatment often resulted in fevers and soreness for two to three days with one day of bliss followed by return of symptoms usually by the time I was due for another treatment. This was a cycle for a few months. Wanting to lose weight and strengthen my body, hoping it would help with issues I have with balance, I found myself going six to seven days a week.

Between acupuncture and the gym, I felt I could tolerate the pain and that I was at least trying my best to manage. I awoke one morning to find a red, angry, swollen knee. I remember rolling my eyes and feeling annoyed, I wanted so desperately to ignore it. After x-rays and an MRI, I was told I had evidence of osteonecrosis, likely from exposure to steroids around the time of surgery. It took me 15 minutes to get off the floor and the next morning I was completely unable to move my right shoulder.

It was a devastating blow to my ego and self-confidence. I was referred to Dr. I placed my gym membership on temporary hold and workout aggressively at rehab with their amazing team of therapists. It is not without pain, from manual manipulation of trigger points and a rolling pin like contraption for IT Band Syndrome pain, but seeing stars that will result in long-term relief is worth it. This past month I walked two blocks at work for the first time and it felt great to rely on my leg again. To feel strong again.

In addition to my shoulder and leg pain, this past month I have started experiencing terrible headaches originating from the incision site. At first I attributed the pain to normal stressors such as work or social obligations; however, the pain progressed from headache to nauseating and debilitating.

Jeremy – ARNI Training gives a new lease of life

It often feels like I sustained a recent injury to the incision site. After speaking with my neurosurgeon I was told that post-craniotomy pain was common and again was advised to try acupuncture as there has been relief noted by neurosurgery patients. I felt such relief, actually blessed. I have now officially graduated my second year since surgery and will only require annual MRI exams instead of every 3 months or six months.

I have accepted pain will always be present to some degree or another but that I will have to be more creative in my management. Grateful to have been given the opportunity to write a guest blog article for friend and fellow Brain Tumor Survivor, Chris Cusano. Please visit the link below to read the article and have access to Chris's experience as well.

To be blessed with the love of family and celebrate the holiday season in good health is truly a wonderful gift and a luxury afforded to many, but sadly, not all. These are just some of the things others were kind enough to provide me with or that I was able to obtain eventually that made life a little easier, more entertaining, or more manageable. Most that know me well know that I do not own a TV. Once I had surgery, life became stagnant and a little boring so my dear friend Christina was kind enough to provide me the gift of Netflix. Initially after surgery, I had great difficulty with reading and comprehension.

I would have my brother respond to text messages as I could not formulate the responses myself. One day my therapist provided me a photocopy of a crossword puzzle, elementary level, and I remember feeling very frustrated as I could not understand how to complete it. It was extremely challenging and humbling but by my second month in rehab I was able to do them without covering the letters.

Many local Dollar stores even carry them so they are reasonably affordable and can be included in a gift basket. One can never have too much of either. Truth is when you are disabled, temporary or otherwise, these are hard to come by on your own. Many people recovering from surgery can feel sore not only from pain at the surgical site but from surgery itself. Laying on an operating table under the effects of anesthesia is extremely stressful for the body and can be fatiguing. If within your means, consider the alternative of massage therapy and treat them to a session.

You can find great deals on Groupon. I have tried multiple brands of shoes as I tried to hold on to a sense of style only to find myself dangerously close to losing my balance and sustaining an injury. For anyone that requires the assistance of a leg and foot brace, you can understand my frustration.

Often I felt like the two step sisters from Cinderella trying to fit my brace into a sexy pair of Nike or Puma sneakers, but alas, they were not for me. SAS though costly, are practical, safe, and giftworthy. There are many to select from and are very affordable. As someone who lost function of an entire side of her body, this was one of the first things I purchased on eBay from rehab. Gifting it would avoid the hassle for your loved one. Hands Free Hair Dryer Stand.

Testimonials

This Holiday season I give thanks for the relief afforded me with this simple yet amazing invention. I have purchased mine on eBay, but please use caution as not all stands are made equal. I personally have found the Tripod shaped stands to be most convenient. My hair may not look perfect most days but there is something to be said about the confidence one has in being independent and self-sufficient, even if only a little. Great stimulating games which help pass the time when everything is a little too quiet. Here is a list of apps shared with me which stimulate brain activity by improving memory, attention, and ability to complete problem solving activity.

Farmville for fun is great, but perhaps in addition to these:. My favorite, anyone recovering from weakness or a stroke, Dexteria. Aromatherapy is very calming and uplifting, especially when combined with classical music. These are relatively inexpensive items which can be purchased at a variety of retailers in stores and online. Take caution with candles and gauge appropriateness for the individual and or residence. Cooking after surgery is the last thing anyone wants to do. You can even help pick items which are nutritious and supportive of healing and recovery.

I was very fortunate that my family would do my laundry for me and it was a huge relief. This would be a tremendous gift for a loved one or friend recovering from surgery. If you are unable there are online services which you can use to schedule a pick up and they will get it done. I absolutely loved coming to my room after therapy and finding a beautiful vase of flowers delivered.

Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Brain Tumors

This never got old and even after rehab I have kept my cards and rosaries my friends and family sent me, some in my office at work. It is a beautiful reminder that I was not alone in this journey. Of all the things aforementioned, company is the best gift you can give someone who is recovering. Some of my favorite memories from rehab and then home involved watching movies with my brothers or sitting with my friends or father in the courtyard of rehab.

I feel blessed to have had family and friends who made the experience less difficult, so if that is all that is in your means then trust it is enough and far more valuable than anything retail. Blessed to celebrate my 1 year anniversary today. Four seasons of growth, laughs, and support by an amazing group of colleagues and students. As I sit here with my colleagues enjoying tearful laughs, I think of last year and I am grateful I took the chance and applied.

One of my favorite quotes my cousin shared with me, 'If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. We are often reminded by our circumstances that life rarely goes according to plan, and when it does, it is indeed a rare blessing that must be treasured. The past year alone has been a harsh and humbling reminder of this. But even with such uncertainty, one must always keep moving forward and appreciate that any situation has the potential to get better.

It is with this hope that I have overcome significant challenges which have threatened my resolve on more than one occasion. I have also had the privilege of meeting others who inspire the same feelings through their sense of determination and their unwillingness to remain stagnant. As the end of October nears, I look back, proud of the accomplishments I have made as well as those made by others on similar journeys.

The night was filled with survivors, supporters, clinicians, musical talent, and the raw energy of those passionate about the cause. Mid-way through the event, neurosurgeon Dr.

1. Testimonials.
2. 3. You Should Really Try to Do More so Your Progress is not Stagnant.?
3. Streets of Blood (Dead Man Book 18);
4. Tigress - The Making of an Enemy Agent.
5. My Stroke... A Will to Recover.
6. Petit traité des punitions et des récompenses à lusage des maîtres et des parents (French Edition).

After his perfectly delivered commentary about his subpar beverage, he moved us with his appreciation of the generous contribution the Cusano family has made to benefit the much needed and ongoing research efforts in treating brain tumors. More of Chris, his family, and the event can be read on his blog at: Meeting other survivors and volunteering was truly inspiring and heartwarming, but nothing compares to the tremendous gratitude I feel for the CTBTA and Kimberly Canning for bestowing on me the privilege of announcing the Reginald Anderson Memorial Scholarship. It was started in honor of a young man who tragically lost his battle with brain cancer but who will forever live through his legacy of giving back.

Additional information may be found at www. With my own University of Bridgeport PAI graduate students present, I was not only allowed the privilege of honoring Reginald but afforded the opportunity to share my journey from being a clinician now working full-time in academia; hence, why I was so honored to have been asked. The event also featured guest speaker, Amanda Tronchin, who shared her harrowing experience, her triumphant recovery, and current status as a college student at Northeastern University. All the individuals I encountered whether they be survivors, caregivers or clinicians inspired hope and the feeling was truly infectious.

Had the honor of speaking today about certain aspects of my journey as well as make an honorable mention of the Reginald Anderson Memorial Scholarship. Mentioned a special and beautiful friend with a memorable role in my recovery. Crowd enjoyed the story too! After the event, I signed up for a local gym membership at Retro Fitness to continue where I left off at with outpatient Physical Therapy. I could not be more enthusiastic about starting this endeavor as I feel I have been blessed to find a facility that is not only near my residence but also one with a staff that is caring and supportive.

At first, I was apprehensive about using the equipment or participating in a fitness class as I have difficulty either maintaining balance or with keeping my right leg on the machines. I felt like all eyes would be on me but I quickly realized that others were inspired by my coming to the gym when they approached me and told me that if someone with a cane can come, then they had no excuse. So today, I celebrate two weeks since my return to the gym and I hope to keep going and participating in the classes offered. I was grateful to share that since my last visit with him, I was now driving and had regained a little more sensation and movement in my foot.

With some encouraging words from my surgeon regarding my own concerns, I was on my way with the hope that my progress will continue with more to report at my next appointment six months from now. In conclusion, I have learned and sometimes still struggle to remember that you have to keep going and plan for tomorrow. If nothing else, this sense of determination will give you something to look forward to, but throughout the process, you just have to keep hope.

A few months ago a friend recommended signing up for the new Paint Nite phenomenon that seems to have taken over my email and Groupon. Maybe its not such a new concept but certainly seems to be all the rave amongst most of the something-year-olds I know. At first I was a little apprehensive about it since I would have to use my left hand non-dominant. Sadly I had a defeatist attitude and tried desperately to approach this new experience with a smile and brave front.

Well, I learned that indeed I could paint with my left hand, and at that, very well. Reminds me of a quote I read many years ago, "the fear of failure holds us back". Now instead, I'd like to remember to always be open to new things, even if you doubt yourself. Or as my friend likes to say to me, "life opens up when you do", well according to Crest.

I'd have to agree. It is probable that I would have had similar success as I do now with surgery and therapy alone, but the quality of my life would have significantly lacked in comparison if I did not have the emotional and personal support I had and still do. To have traveled this journey alone seems unimaginable. My desire to do so was inspired by my own struggles as I found myself often frustrated with the lack of clarity surrounding my diagnosis and then with recovering from disability.

I would ask what I thought to be simple or general questions only to receive the run around. Was I the first brain tumor patient these individuals have ever encountered? Am I the first disabled person asking for information on the best course to be independent again? Driving was a huge goal I wanted to accomplish and for months I sought information or assistance but found myself directed from one person to another. At the conference, I learned about current treatment methods and innovation in the areas of neurosurgical and neuroncological medicine.

It was at that moment that I felt my struggles and concerns were validated by this amazing group of individuals who each struggled with and continuously persevere against a diagnosis that has wreaked just a little bit of havoc in their lives. I had never met any of them before then and yet I felt like I could relate to them and that we shared this bond through our experience.

This theme of comradery and commYOUnity was also relevant in the distinguished panel of speakers at the event including Drs. Uhm to name a few. During one of the case review panel board seminars, whilst discussing the benefit in patient care with a tumor board vs a single MD approach, Dr. It was a statement which was appreciated and applauded by many attendees who have personally benefited from a collaborative approach. It was a humorous lecture with a touching tribute to the recurring theme of community in the lives of many patients.

Another inspiring aspect of the conference was the opportunity to hear actual patient and caregiver experiences. Two couples were asked to speak of their experience. They also echoed the sentiments of many gathered to hear their experience, particularly Donna, who stated she has done so well that people have a hard time registering her illness. Overall, the conference was an amazing experience and an opportunity to meet wonderful individuals who will be partners in the continued effort to advocate for brain tumor patients and their caregivers.

It was an amazing evening of music, inspiration, and of course paella. A 9yr brain cancer survivor, mother, wife, and relentless advocate whose message ensured that those present to hear her speak that night will never look at brain tumor patients the same again. To say that I have been inspired by these two organizations, their members, and fellow volunteers is an understatement. I have recently been matched with another brain tumor patient and though she has mentioned that my random calls have brought her some joy and comfort, I make sure she knows that by allowing me to be a part of her community, she has done the same for me.

So indeed, it takes a village to heal a patient. Things can change in an instant, we can be set in our ways and all of a sudden be presented with an obstacle or opportunity depending on our circumstance and outlook. I have benefited from knowing certain individuals, learning from their determination and perseverance, and above all else, experiencing their good will. Well, just this past week, I was reminded of the blessing of meeting or knowing of such individuals and I have been truly inspired.

It was an amazing opportunity for me as it marked the one year anniversary of the event from when I was an inpatient last year. This year I was front row and center, cheering participants as they neared the finish line. As a volunteer I was assigned the fire pits, three holes dug in a parallel fashion in the ground with burning wood and flames threatening to engulf those that jumped across. It was the last obstacle on the way to the finish line and the runners came tired, sore, some bleeding from their knees, and alternatively, a few that had trained for months who breezed by like gazelles in the Serengeti.

The runners were soaking wet from the water slide in the previous obstacle and grateful for the warmth as they neared the fire. Later in the week, many came up to me in Rehab and told me I was their favorite part of the course. What can I say, I have a gift. Although each participant was enthusiastic despite their exhaustion, the most moving were two gentleman in the end whom I see at rehab regularly. All who witnessed the two men round the corner and walk towards my obstacle were visibly moved.

Two of the therapists grabbed one by the arms helping to lift him as he made his way over each pit.

I cheered him on as he made his way over to the finish line. I was inspired and hope that next year I too can do the same. You can read more of this story and see more pictures at: Her story was featured in the Huffington Post and her video went viral on YouTube. I have a great deal of respect for this young lady for having endured so much and yet finding the courage and drive to spread awareness. She is truly inspiring, and I suspect, this is only the beginning as we can expect so much more from her. Lastly, this July 4th marked my one year anniversary of my discharge from rehab, and like Tim, Robin, and Morgan, this event too was inspiring.

As I think back to coming home this day last year, I remember being wheelchair dependent, first person assist. This July 4th, I fully celebrated independence from a patriotic standpoint and a personal one and yesterday, I received my graduation certificate after finally completing one year of intensive physical therapy.

In the end, I have been reminded that inspiration comes in many forms and from all kinds of people in life. One must be open to experiencing it and also wise to learn from it. For as long as I could remember, I have always traveled with the intent of accomplishing something. Always with the burden of completing a list of tasks set either by myself or by another party. I never had an opportunity to travel for the sake of, well nothing. Seemed appropriate that after a year of extensive therapy and rehab since my surgery, I would have my first trip be just that, for nothing.

And I can honestly say, it was the best trip I have ever taken. She underwent a very risky surgical procedure from which she thankfully did well, very well. The following are some things I have learned about traveling with a disability temporary or not and in general about the blessing of taking care of oneself. Do keep in mind, if you are recovering from surgery, then please be sure to have appropriate clearance from your physician before embarking on your journey. Always keep your provider in the loop. I learned quickly that if dealing with a disability, it is important to plan ahead.

Since this was my first time traveling after my surgery, I took into consideration the distance I would be commuting from check in to the gate and whether I would feel comfortable towing around my carryon. Given my weakness of the right arm, I knew wheeling a suitcase would not be possible so I packed a duffel bag instead. Even with this I tired quickly and I ended up checking in my luggage or relying on my friends to help. My thanks to JetBlue for not charging a fee for additional luggage love them! Obviously that's an exaggerated dream but that's what nightmares are. What actually happened was quite the opposite.

After this, I was given back my cane and that was that. No impatient people behind me, no yelling or reason to have anxiety. For a larger airport of if I was traveling by myself I definitely would have utilized the airports handicap services. They are readily available and do not require pre-booking. I did and relied on the support of my friends but realized for future reference I would definitely seek out assistance beforehand. Also, you might want to consider getting a hotel room equipped with handicap accessible furniture and fixtures.

They also tend to be closer to the elevator. This may not seem like a big deal depending on your needs but we were at the end of a long hallway and by the end of the day when it's your third or fourth trip back, trust me, you'll be thankful for a closer room. This was by far one of the most relaxing trips I have taken and it couldn't have come at a better time.

The remainder of the time was spent trying different local cuisines, relaxing by the hotel fire pits spread around the pools, and enjoying the company of my friends who were a tremendous source of support for me. Also, I didn't feel guilty for taking time for myself. If anything, I learned that it is important to recuperate emotionally and mentally just as much as it is to do so physically. No matter how small or inexpensive, taking time to relax and refocus are essential, for you and those around you. I also listed social workers and clinical care coordinators who facilitated my mother's care and discharge.

Home Health Aide agencies, medical supply companies, etc. It's cute, compact, and perfect for anyone to keep with them. My first time writing left hand , 2 months after surgery. A night filled with inspirational people, music by Broca's Area, and hilarious comedians. Laughs did not end there, I celebrated my nieces' 13th birthday and it was good times and silly jokes then too. Last June, my father called me from work one day while I was in rehab and sensing my spirits were low sent my brother Faraz to cheer me up in a way that only he can. My brother, despite my protests of feeling embarrassed regarding my appearance, took my picture and told me, a year from now when you're no longer on steroids or in a wheelchair, you'll look back and be proud of getting through this.

Well, it's been a year, so I've decided to share the pics in case anyone else is dealing with something too. In , my classmates at the Weill Cornell PA program gave me the privilege of speaking at our Certificate and Awards Ceremony for graduation. I am honored that eight years later, I was invited invited back as guest speaker by the Program Faculty to address this year's graduating class of on May 30th.

Much of what I said during my first speech holds true today. It was a wonderful end to celebrate Brain Tumor Awareness Month and four years on May 13th since having brain tumor surgery and starting this humbling journey of recovery. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well. Embed from Getty Images. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote,. After all, the show must go on. Challening, but not impossible thanks to therapy and the desire to overcome.

Farmville for fun is great, but perhaps in addition to these: University of Bridgeport PAI students. Taking life one step at a time In a Chicago State of Mind. A staircase full of inspiration. You can read more of her story and watch the touching video at: Navigating the Airport I learned quickly that if dealing with a disability, it is important to plan ahead.

What to do with Adaptive Equipment. Leg brace and specially fitted orthotic shoes SAS. Well, until the next trip then Prepare a Folder or a binder with your medical records: I did this for my mother when I was her caretaker and it reduced her anxiety and stress as well as that of my own. I organized the binder with tabs labeled as: Provider Info, Patient History, Directions but you can organize per your preference.

To various sites we would visit. Please use caution as sensitive information must be safeguarded. I kept the binder with me at all times unless my brother or other family member I trusted was assuming duties. Keep a list of current Medications: This includes those that are prescribed to you as well as anything herbal and over the counter.

You can add this list to the binder as well as keep a fold out mini medication card in your purse or wallet. You can include pictures of the pills prescribed to distinguish by appearance. Here are some sample tables I made: In some cases, the physician to whom you are referred will have you complete certain diagnostic tests prior to your consultation. Sometimes you will be given a copy at the time of the visit, other times you will need to request a copy from the Medical Records Office.

Don't rely on the referring physician to fax or mail them, it could delay your appointment. Did I listen to that advice?