I Am!

I had severe headaches for two months. I went to my neurologist because I had idiopathic intracranial hypertension at the time (IIH). My neurologist said it wasn’t the IIH, so I went to get a second opinion. This neurologist told me I was having migraines and sent me home with a migraine medicine, but I was not balanced with a headache that would not go away with any painkiller. My neck was also hurting! It hurt to walk, it hurt to drive, and it hurt to look at a computer. I remember being at work and fainted during a pivotal moment with my coworker.

I decided to go to the ER because I couldn’t focus, and the next day, I went into emergency surgery, where they quickly removed the tumor and placed a shunt to keep the fluid from staying in one area. From there, I did radiation and chemotherapy. The chemotherapy was supposed to be eight cycles, yet I ended up only needing five!

During that time, I ended up losing one of my biggest supporters!!! My heart, my aunt!! The timing was impeccable (January 2024). She left us, and my treatment stopped, and they told me I was in remission! So, that was enough motivation for me to continue the journey. I remember that I celebrated my birthday on Easter Sunday (2023), and I remember my medical staff explaining to me to keep going and fight even harder.

With that being said, I did speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. All so rewarding. I remember my hair falling out, and I was a bit sad, but not for long, only because now I had a reason to wear wigs!

To my fellow fighters out there. I encourage you to stay aligned and stay positive even when it feels like a lot. I know it’s easier said than done, but tap into the warrior within you and do not give up!!

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