Join me as I support the UC Brain Tumor Center at the 2023 Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries on Sunday, October 15th!
I am a 10-year brain tumor survivor this past February. In 2013, I had a seizure in the middle of the night, was rushed to the hospital, where they found a golf-sized tumor called a benign meningioma behind my right eye. I had 2 choices, have more seizures, or have it removed. I chose the latter, of course. Although it was not a cancerous tumor, I still have everlasting side effects. Due to the location of the tumor, I had nerve damage after surgery. The right side of my face was almost completely numb, and I couldn't open my right eye. I had 30 radiation treatments afterwards to make sure there was no residual tumor. I was back to working in April and teaching fitness classes in June...I am not good at resting or sitting for long. I also have 70-80% feeling back in my face (thanks to my extraordinary physical therapist that I still see – he and I won’t give up!), but my right eye still struggles to open, along with eye movement. I can still do everything I did before, and I won’t give up on a full recovery!
Looking back if I had any symptoms, I did. I would sometimes just be sitting staring at my computer, like a switch turned me off, then back on. My doctor at the time just said it was stress and gave me anxiety meds. When the weird feelings didn't get better, she increased the dosage, it didn’t help. Come to find out, I may have been having mini seizures (although we can't be sure). I had my 5-year follow up MRI a couple months ago, I’m all clear. Listen to your body, if you think something is wrong, IT IS. Get 2, 3, 4, 5 opinions from other doctors if you must, but listen to your gut, I wish I had!
Your support is appreciated!