Hopefully, by sharing my brain tumor experience story, it will help others. Initially, my only symptoms were numbness and tingling sensations in my left foot and ankle. I attributed these to an injury I sustained in 2022 and disregarded them since they weren’t really consistent or bothersome. However, in late June/early July 2024, the symptoms became increasingly worse and would radiate up the left leg.
On several occasions, the tingling sensation continued up into the left torso area causing spasms that felt like “electric jolts”. I called these “episodes”. They were short, lasting only a couple minutes. After each episode, my left arm would feel lifeless and useless for a couple of minutes. After having one of these episodes on September 11, 2024, I went to the emergency room where a CT of the head revealed a large meningioma and incidentally an ophthalmic artery aneurysm.
I was transported and admitted to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Neuroscience Center. Apparently, the “episodes” I was having were seizures. On September 20, 2024, I had a craniotomy for resection of the meningioma. My surgery went well, my recovery went well, and fortunately the tumor was benign (WHO Grade I). There was a small section of tumor that was unable to be removed due to the location so this will be monitored for any changes every six months (as well as continued monitoring of any changes in the aneurysm). I’m grateful for the care I received at OhioHealth and continue to receive there; it is top-notch!
Strangely I suppose, I wasn’t crying or upset when the OhioHealth MGH ER doctor gave me the results of my CT revealing the brain tumor. I just felt acceptance of the situation and complete trust in the care I was receiving; the care was phenomenal! I immediately focused on following the care plans, contacted a couple family members, and mentally prepared to be transported to OhioHealth Riverside, Columbus.
Of course, during and following my recovery, I started to google anything and everything I could find regarding meningiomas. I searched for organizations that I could become a part of and came across both the National Brain Tumor Society website and the American Brain Tumor Association website. I quickly realized after reading others’ stories, how fortunate I was. I even hesitated to tell my story since many other stories ended in sorrow. Finding these two brain tumor websites and following them on Instagram helped me realize I’m not alone in this journey!
I just recently learned that May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month through following NBTS and ABTA on Instagram. This is important to me because I’m 7 months post craniotomy for resection of a large meningioma. Hopefully, I can help spread awareness by sharing my story.
Pay attention to symptoms that may seem minor!
