Three Years Ago Today.......

     To many, today is just another day.  To me, this date will always stand out and cause me to reflect and remember.  Three years ago today, Dr. Khaled Aziz performed a craniotomy on me to remove a brain tumor.  I had already been on this journey for 5 months, beginning with my tumor being discovered on August 2nd, 2010.  After having 70% of it removed and then enduring 6 weeks of radiation, we thought the worst was behind us.  Then, after a follow up MRI, it was discovered that my remaining tumor had actually grown three times its original size.  I was told that this was unheard of and that I was now famous in the medical community as doctors were studying my case and trying to figure out what happened.  (I guess that was my 15 minutes of fame!)  My second surgery was scheduled for January 3rd, 2011 and I was told that this was going to be a very invasive and possibly disfiguring surgery.  I can remember being paralyzed by fear, but so desperately wanting the tumor out of my head and for this ordeal to be over.  The surgery went very well, although, unfortunately, not all of the tumor was able to be removed.  As I sit here typing, my remaining tumor occupies my frontal lobe and loves to remind me of his presence every day!  I hate knowing that "he"  (I named him Ben) is in there, but I just take it day by day and hope that he never begins to grow again! (Meningiomas are reoccurring tumors....so the thought of regrowth is always in the back of my mind.) I have some side effects....daily headaches, barometer head, memory problems and some vision problems......but I am lucky to be alive and stronger than I ever knew that I was!  I will always dread MRI days and I will always worry that every pain means that my tumor is growing.....but that is just my new reality and I will embrace it and "Just Keep Livin.'!"  Many people are tired of hearing my "tumor talk," but until you experience something like this, you will never understand that impact it has on your life and the need to talk about it.....so I will keep on talking, sharing and blogging!  I am also very thankful for a group called Meningioma Mommas......a place where I can turn when I have questions, concerns, worries or I when I just need support.  This group has become like a second family to me because they know exactly what I have been through.

     So today, as I celebrate my three year craniversary, I thank all of you who have been on this journey with me and who have supported me for the past three years.  Thank you for supporting and loving this crazy Meningioma Momma!!