Living Oligo

I was diagnosed at 17 years old with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. I had a resection shortly after diagnosis, which has been 9 years now. Surgery was tough. My tumor was “tentacle” like, and was wrapped around so much healthy tissue. I ended up being on the table for eight hours, versus the four we thought. 

The first two days in the ICU were without a doubt the worst two days of my life. I spent it throwing up from the anesthesia, shaking when they tried to get me to walk, and not eating. It has grown back significantly since then. I was lucky enough to be on the Indigo clinical trial and postpone growth for about four years. 

Currently, I am on watch and wait. Having this diagnosis has changed my life for both the bad and good. I have learned to live with this tumor, and, either pity myself or make the most out of the cards I was dealt. However, I know I have a “bomb” in my head that can explode at any time. I was told by my oncologist, once the tumor becomes more aggressive, I will not be able to stop it. That’s a terrifying thought. 

So, with every four-month MRI, I lay in the machine and wonder what the appointment will be that I hear it is time to proceed with surgery or more treatment. Despite having those fears, I always try to push them aside. I find it easier to cope with dark humor, and live in the ‘now’ not the future. There is so much I haven’t seen or done yet, and I plan to do all those things while I still can.

TAGGED WITH: Oligodendroglioma

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