My Dad, My Hero

I wanted to share the story of my dad, Mike Simmons. He has since passed and gone to his heavenly home. He was diagnosed with benign meningioma at the age of 46. His tumor covered the entirety of his brain and had a tail it was so big.

He had his first surgery on 4/1/2004. We were told that his tumor would simply be removed and no worries of it ever returning. However, he would end up having another surgery the following year. He ended up having multiple meningiomas, and he had four surgeries, radiation, and chemo until he had a tumor that was so aggressive it came through his skull and his forehead. Yes, you read that right. I’m not trying to scare anyone, but this is very rare. He had very aggressive tumors. He fought from 2004-2020.

My brother died from cancer in 2011 during this, my mom’s health continually declined, and I have chronic pain. The caretakers of those who fight brain tumors need support. They need to know that they can get a break and go out to eat and not feel guilty. People can have a way of judging you because your loved one needs 24/7 care and your mom is sick and you have to work. So, you put your loved one in a nursing home but you can’t sleep because you’re so worried about what’s happening to him. These are the things loved ones go through, and it needs to be addressed.

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.