Hi, I am a 40 something year old wife and mom of 2 beautiful kids. On November 24th I had the pleasure of being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Oh yeah, I am also a nurse so please note there may be sick medical humour in my posts - that is my way of coping with all this garbage!
I will try to keep it family friendly - my kids have picked up a few of my potty words already! (sorry teachers!)
People have been asking me what it is like?
# 1 it sucks, but it is also life. I have always been a grab the bull by the horns, enjoy the ride kind of person. We can't pick our path in life but we can choose how to live it. I am choosing to live life fighting this big bad brain tumor, it is part of me. Don't get me wrong - I don't like it. I want it out but surgery is not an option and I could be really, really blonde if they tried! I apologize to all my natural blonde friends who might be reading this. Surgery could seriously result in my needing 24 hour care too!
I have had a very positive experience with CancerCare. I cannot say enough good things about them. They are the most caring and dedicated staff around. I know that my fellow ER people will be shocked but they are amazing.
How am I feeling?
Pretty good, I have minimal weakness to one arm. I have had no ill effects from the chemo and radiation other than lots of hair loss. Thank God fo my iron clad stomach! I now am acquiring a collection of nice hats! My biggest complaint is having to use baby shampoo...yuck! (that's not too bad!)
I also have a really hard time getting to sleep. Apparently people with brain tumors have a disturbed sleep-wake pattern...and boy do I ever! Fortunately my good doctor knows the right sleeping pill Rx!
So that is what life in our house had been like this past month and a bit.....CancerCare for radiaton and chemo pills at home. My memory is not that great so I am sorry if I forget or seem a bit foggy. A big thanks to all the hard working people at CancerCare
Stay tuned for updates
Thanks for the support and prayers
Karen and family
