Brain Injury: Brain Tumor

Explanation of Mask: I will always have brain cancer. My tumor was the size of a baseball.  The highlighted yellow section on the “head” of my mask is where I have no brain anymore.  It’s a print of the picture taken with MRI.  In September of 2007 a great neurosurgeon, Dr. Adnan H. Siddiqui, found and took out my tumor.  I chose to have surgery because I would have lived for only 3-8 months.  Since the day I was told I had brain cancer, I have asked for and accepted all medicine as well as radiation and chemotherapy.  I have also learned to enjoy being a retired Elementary Reading teacher.  My daughter has been a great child of a single mom with brain cancer.  This September of 2016 she will attend college in Kentucky.  I am a proud parent.  My life continues.  I’m enjoying it.  There have been challenges.  I feel sad a lot of times, yet I let happiness be my goal.  It arrives as much as sadness.

I feel great for the opportunity to share my 7 year story of cancer. We, my team of doctors, and I will continue to monitor my MRI’s.  I hope any reader, friend or family member of someone who is recovering from brain cancer will go for the gold!  Keep pursuing recovery opportunities that are available to you!  I am a 40 year old beautiful woman.  Enjoy life as I continue to!