Nothing Prepared Me

In 2013, I was feeling as though I had a sinus infection.

I went to my doctor and he said I needed to see an opthamologist because he didn’t like what he was seeing. The appointment was made and I saw her the same day. My opthamologist then told me I needed an MRI.

The next day I went for the MRI and by the afternoon was back at my primary care doctor for the results. He informed me I had a Schwannoma, which is typically benign, but I needed surgery to confirm. I had no insurance so I needed to wait a week or two to get my finances together. Well, illness does not “wait.”

A week later I was in the ER and it was determined I had two tumors and I had to have surgery. After surgery I was diagnosed with CNS Lymphoma. I was given two months to live and possibly a few months longer if I had both Chemo and Whole Brain Radiation. I chose not to have Chemo, I did choose WBR.

Not sure I would do WBR again after the post-effects that I deal with everyday. But I am still here – 6 years later. It has been a journey of ups and downs, but all in all I am doing well and am so grateful for all the support I have had through this journey.

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Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.