My Happy Brain Tumor

My Happy Brain Tumor

Natalie

Just last October 2013, when I was very excited to finally be in my last year of nursing school, I found out that I had a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, which even as I was to be a nurse very soon, I had honestly never heard of this thing! But apparently it was time to give my brain tumor an eviction notice. It was time for it to go! In December, my wonderful surgeon was able to remove 90% of that tumor, and I could not be happier or more excited with my life since then. I somehow went right back into nursing school after recovering from that surgery, and I oddly look at this unexpected tumor as an influential aspect of my life that has made me grateful and excited for every single day I get. After somehow graduating from nursing school just a few months after brain surgery, I am in awe to no longer be the patient, but to now be a nurse in an ICU unit. It has been so personal to take care of people who are going through hard things like I have and I truly think this difficult year has made me an even better nurse. I don’t plan on this tumor ever coming back, but I know if it does I have the amazing support to kick its butt again!

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