Join NBTS’s campaign to raise awareness about the importance of biomarker testing and clinical trials for patients with brain tumors.
READ MOREPublished on January 29, 2025 in Meningioma, Share Your Story
Guest Author: Kelsey G. in Wisconsin
It all started with what I thought was a routine eye exam. I had been experiencing headaches, dizziness, and some other odd symptoms, but like so many of us do, I chalked it up to stress and the busyness of life. I never expected my life to change quite literally in a blink of an eye.
During the exam, the doctor noticed some abnormalities and referred me for further tests. What followed was a whirlwind — MRIs, consultations, and then the shocking diagnosis: “You have a brain tumor.” And while your whole life is turned upside down, the outside world keeps spinning around you.
Hearing I had a brain tumor (later determined to be grade 2 atypical meningioma) was terrifying, to say the least, but looking back, I remember feeling a sense of calmness and peace. I can’t really explain it other than you become consumed with an imaginary checklist that keeps you busy and distracted. What appointment do I have today? What are my options? Would I need surgery? What were the risks? How would this impact my family?
As the world continued to spin around me, I was caught up in my own whirlwind of appointments. My brain tumor wasn’t even the main concern. I also had something called intracranial hypertension. My spinal flood was building up in my brain, and my optic nerves were swelling by the minute. I remember them telling me that if we didn’t do something, I was going to lose my vision. That’s when it all began to feel real.
After seeing several doctors in my area and trying different medications, my eye doctor knew that time was of the essence. He sent all my information to the Mayo Clinic, and I had an appointment almost immediately. I credit both of them for not only saving my vision but saving my life. I had a stent put in my brain in 2019 and had my craniotomy in 2020.
As I reflect on my brain surgery journey, I think about how loved I felt in that moment — how all of my family came together to be there for me. Again, I can’t explain it, but when the time came for my family to split off in the hallway and for me to continue on to the OR, I had the strongest sense of peace wash over me. I knew then that no matter what happened, I was going to be OK.
Recovery wasn’t easy. It was hard, both physically and mentally. There were days when I felt like I’d never get back to who I was before. Healing from brain surgery takes time and patience, two things I had to learn to give myself. It wasn’t just about getting stronger physically; it was about adjusting mentally and emotionally to everything I had been through. Four years later, I am still adjusting. I take the good days as they come and use those to power through the rest, but every day I am just thankful to be here.
Faith played a huge role in my recovery. In my darkest moments, I leaned on my faith and found peace in prayer. I believe that God had a plan for me, even through the challenges, and that gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.
This experience changed me. It wasn’t just about recovering from surgery; it was about transforming how I lived. Before my diagnosis, I was on autopilot, going through the motions of daily life. But the tumor made me realize how precious life is and how much I had been taking for granted.
After the surgery and recovery, I knew I couldn’t go back to living the same way. I started prioritizing what truly mattered — my family, my passions, my health. I no longer wanted to coast through life. I wanted to live it fully, to pursue the things that brought me joy and fulfillment.
I turned my focus toward my personal growth, and I stopped fearing the challenges ahead. I realized that the obstacles I faced, like my brain tumor, weren’t just setbacks — they were opportunities for growth and transformation.
Now, as I reflect on my journey, I feel a deep sense of purpose. I know I went through this for a reason, and I want to use my story to inspire others who may be facing their own mountains. Whether it’s a health crisis, a personal struggle, or an unexpected challenge, I want people to know they have the strength to overcome it.
This experience taught me the importance of resilience, faith, and perseverance. It’s not always easy, and there are still moments when fear creeps in, but I’ve learned to face those fears head-on. I’ve also learned to be patient with myself and to celebrate progress, no matter how small.
I share my story not just as a reflection of what I’ve been through but as a message to others. You are not alone, and you are stronger than you think. Whatever challenges you’re facing, know that you have the power to move forward, to heal, and to thrive.
My brain tumor wasn’t the end of my story — it was the beginning of a new chapter. While I wouldn’t have chosen this path, I am grateful for the lessons it taught me. It made me a stronger, more resilient person, and it opened my eyes to the beauty and fragility of life.
I’ve learned that we don’t always get to choose the mountains we face, but we do get to choose how we climb them.
TAGGED WITH: brain tumor, meningioma
Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.