Boomer’s Story

Boomer’s Story

Steve

Dec 20th 1999 went into the ER because of a week long headache and nausea. I was 15 and a freshman in high school. Doctor comes back and tells me they found a mass sitting on my brain stem the size of a plum. At that age I never knew about brain surgery so I thought I was dead. I was rushed straight to PCH for emergency surgery. I was given a 20% chance of survival. The doctor said the tumor started growing roots so they had to do a full craniotomy. Spent Christmas and New Years of 2000 in ICU and was finally released. As a result of the tumor I now have hydrocephalus, seizures, and a horrible short term memory. I managed to finish high school a year late then went to culinary school. Even though I’m on disability I don’t regret it. You have to make the most out of every day because each day is a gift that can be taken from you at any time. Since then I have had 30 brain surgeries for the hydrocephalus! But I am just grateful to still be alive! 🙂

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