First Memory – Headache

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. At 8, I was given an MRI which revealed an Astrocytoma. I was immediately hospitalized and put on large doses of steroids to make me bulk up with weight. Just a few weeks later I was operated on and 90% of the tumor removed. A few weeks after that, I was sent home. The neurosurgeon old my parents to spend time with me as much as possible because there was a 0% chance of me living 5 years. I went to physical therapy, and had monthly MRI’s to monitor the 10% of the tumor that was still there. Over the years, it shrunk down to almost nothing. 28 years after surgery, I am still here.

I have severe neurological limitations though. My right arm does not work well at all, as the right side of my face. I can’t hear very well out of my right ear. I have no peripheral vision out of my right eye. I have seizures.

I’m still alive, though.

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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.