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READ MOREPublished on August 12, 2014 in Share Your Story
On March 22, 2010, my life turned into a crazy roller coaster ride. I had headaches for 3 weeks…in the same location all day long. My coworkers finally forced me to go to the doctor. I had my MRI in the morning of March 22 and a scheduled appt at 7pm for results. I went to the doctor by myself thinking nothing was wrong. Boy was I wrong! I was rushed to the ER and admitted into the hospital. It turns out I had an epidermoid tumor the size of an apple wrapped around my brainstem and both auditory nerves. Seven days later I had my first surgery. I came out with a severely bitten tongue, permanent hearing loss in one ear, and balance issues. Six months later I had my second surgery on the opposite side of my head. Thankfully I had fewer symptoms with this surgery. I still have a small tumor and the lining of the other pieces that were taken out. I appreciate life more than ever and the things that I used to stress over are just not that important anymore. I am thankful for every day.
Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.