BRAIN SURGERY - AWAKE!

If you have been watching the news recently, you've probably heard that U.S. Senator, John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer.  He has a brain tumor called a Glioblastoma, which is the most aggressive type of brain tumor. It originates in the brain; it does not spread there from another part of the body. The cause is not known.

If you've read my blog previously or know me personally, you know that I am a brain tumor survivor. When I hear of a diagnosis like that of Senator McCain, it takes me back and reminds me of how blessed I am. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful every day for my health and my life but when you hear news like this, that can be rather devastating, it just makes you extra grateful. 

I am aware of just how lucky I was to have the outcome I did regarding my brain tumor, and for that I am forever grateful! I am especially grateful for the doctors who treated me and specifically, my neurosurgeon, Dr. Ricardo Komotar!

"Dr. Komotar is an internationally recognized leader in the field of brain tumors and performs nearly 700 procedures for these conditions each year using advanced cutting-edge surgical/radio-surgical techniques, making him one of the highest volume brain tumor surgeons in the world."  

Honestly, Dr. Komotar is not only a brilliant neurosurgeon, he genuinely cares about his patients and is passionate about what he is doing. I knew from the moment I met him that he was the guy for the job! He absolutely knows what he is talking about and is an expert in his field. There is an instant connection and good vibe when you meet him and you know right away, you are in good hands.  Hopefully, you will never have to go through any of this but in my experience, I could not have asked to be in better hands, or at least my brain anyway! LOL!

Below is a video of some amazing technology, where Dr. Komotar and his colleagues perform an awake craniotomy on a man diagnosed with a glioma. That is a general term used to describe any tumor that arises from the supportive (“gluey”) tissue of the brain. This tissue, called “glia,” helps to keep the neurons in place and functioning well.

(WARNING: If you have get queasy easily, do not watch video)

 Emmy-Nominated video on extracting a deadly brain tumor.

No matter what you have gone through in your life or are going through, remember to always have an attitude of gratitude!

Sources:

YouTube

UHealth Systems

CHOOSING WHEN TO LIVE & WHEN TO DIE

Brittany Maynard, the Oregon woman who had become an outspoken advocate for patients' rights following her terminal cancer diagnosis, died on Saturday, Nov 1, 2014 the Oregonian reported.  She was 29.

I can't even explain to you how much this story hits "home" because this November 2014 marks exactly one year since I was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor.

As I have said before, I can't even imagine if my outcome had been different, what I would have done.  It is easy to be brave when it is benign.  What would I have done if I had been faced with the decision that Brittany Maynard had to face. She chose to end her life on her own terms.  Before she died she was quoted: "I am not suicidal," she wrote in a blog post for CNN.com. "I do not want to die. But I am dying. And I want to die on my own terms."

Many would say that is wrong. Only God chooses when our lives will end. But I ask you this, "Why is it that when an animal is gravely ill or seriously injured, we can put them out of their misery?" I don't know if I would have had the courage to do what Brittany did, end her life on November 1, 2014, at age 29.  Especially because I am a mother. No mother wants to willingly leave her child, no matter what the circumstances. I saw my own mother die a slow and painful death and it was not pleasant. She suffered until the end.

Had Brittany Maynard been a mother, would she have made the same decision? We will never know. What I do know, is that I admire her for facing what life dealt her with courage, strength and dignity.  It was her personal decision and thankfully for her, she had a family who supported her. We are all here on borrowed time. And yeah, we can't all go around playing God, but there are circumstances in my opinion, that like a gravely ill dog or a wounded horse, we should have the right to choose.

Ultimately, this is not about politics or religion or anything of that nature. It is about learning to live and love each day to it's fullest, whether you have a brain tumor, terminal illness or not. It is about setting small goals and meeting them daily, monthly, yearly.  Life should be about helping others and doing what's right. That is why I love the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote so much:

'Sometimes saying “Goodbye” to our beloved companions to end their suffering is the most loving decision that we can make for them.'

The funny thing about that quote you just read above is that I saw it in an article regarding putting an animal to sleep!  The same kind be said of humans!

Read more: http://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/making-difficult-decisions-animal-sick/#ixzz3I1zC9KyR

May Brittany Maynard rest in peace and may the rest of us learn to live to the fullest, as she did!

PRAY FOR BEN SAUER

Pray for Ben Sauer: How You Can Help: 1. One of the most significant ways you can help is through prayer.   "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he w...

As I read this blog this morning, I sobbed uncontrollably. How is it that I can survive a brain tumor, relatively unharmed and this innocent little 4-year old boy must go through this pain and suffering.  These poor parents must endure the heartache of inevitably losing their son, one of their twins.

There are no words to express the heart ache I feel. As a brain tumor survivor, this story has broken my heart at how life is just so UNFAIR.  I am sure Ben was "borrowed" to his family to teach them about love and strength and courage.   I ache for Ben and his suffering, because right now he is suffering. And for his family and for the grief they feel.  It is unimaginable.

It is only through faith that we survive the greatest blows in life. I pray that God gives this family the strength to bear the unbearable.

May god bless you Ben Sauer and give you the peace and freedom you deserve.  You will soon be an angel watching down upon your family. God bless...

P.S.  I ask you, my "warrior" friends and readers to please pray for Ben & his family.

Meningiomas | Dr. Isaac Yang - UCLA Neurosurgery

RELIEF FUND FOR VINCENT

Today is the day we will attend the fundraising event for an 11-year boy, Relief Fund for Vincent #39, who is suffering from a brain tumor. I didn't think I would be so emotional about this event, but this morning it hit me on so many levels. First and foremost, I am a mother and I just recently survived from a brain tumor and my little boy is a hockey player as well. I was fortunate to have a positive outcome and here is this sweet innocent 11-year old hockey player who has this horrible thing happen to him and his family is struggling to help keep him alive and pay the medical bills. This morning a wave of emotion hit me, as I realized again how blessed I was (am) at the outcome of my brain tumor.   I believe in MIRACLES and believe in the power of prayer and I & pray that G-d will bless a miracle upon this family.

On a more positive note, some Florida Panther hockey players have volunteered to be there.

Krys Barch, Jonathan Huberdeau & Nick Bjugstad will be signing autographs for one hour during this event at Panthers IceDen. Admission $15.00, Silent Auction, Basket Auction. All proceeds will go to aid Vincent and the Compitiello Family. Thank you!

YOU ARE CUTE (POST BRAIN SURGERY)

I was walking through the supermarket aisle looking for drinks on Super Bowl Sunday, looking lost and the guy who works there says to me, "Can I help you?" I said, "No thanks, I really don't know what I want."  He smiled and said, "You are cute."  I smiled, said thank you and walked away, in my Yankees cap and even though it made my day, I thought to myself, "Little does he know what's under this head!"  He wouldn't think it was so cute, if he saw it!

I am two-month post craniotomy and my emotions don't stop even after surgery.  I read a post from a fellow meningioma survivor, and I share the same sentiments:  

"I am in a place of absolute gratitude and I thank G-d (The Universe) every day and sometimes, even more than ten times a day.  Sometimes when I'm alone, I suddenly get emotional and it just catches up with me and say to myself "you had a brain tumor, you had your skull opened and your brain was rummaged in and you were blessed, you survived!!!"   

I wonder will these thoughts ever go away, or do they stay with you for your lifetime?  I do know that I am blessed! 

TIME TO REST

I believe I have delved enough into the logistics of what I went through physically and hopefully I can help someone out there who may be in the diagnosis research stage of meningiomas as well.  I believe it is time for me to move on with some more venting, analyzing fun and photos! 

When I think about what I went through and my crazy lack of rest, I think I must really be nuts!  Two days after brain surgery I was with my family taking our 11-year old on a Friday night to a trampoline bouncing themed-amusement place!  Luckily, it was not mobbed.  The next day, I was "shooting hoops" with my 6-year old outside, a few days later, we were at our city's holiday parade standing in the streets waiting for our daughter to go by with her marching band!  Really? 

I guess, this is why this week, I sit quietly at home typing away and trying to rest.  Sooner or later it all catches up with you.  I am figuring it is the fear of not being around anymore that makes one want to live every moment with fierceness.   Gotta remember that feeling!