I started a kid's group. Check it out. Maybe Trevor will participate. It's under the resources tab.

Hi Tonya. How are you? I was just looking at all of your pics on here. Years ago, while waiting in my radiationist's office, my mom used to blow up the latex gloves. She tried to make me smile in such a tense situation. It's horrible when your minutes away from finding out your fate.

Hi Tonya. I just saw your msg. from this afternoon. How are you? How's Trevor doing? I am so grateful that my mom took pics of me during my hospital stay. It's a very smart thing that you did. He'll appreciate it someday. Anyway, thanks for your msgs.

Hi Tonya, You're right....no one on this site is alone. We've all experienced real trauma, with a great amount of stress. Keep trying to think positive and staying strong for your beautiful boy. Remember to take time for yourself too! No one's ever promised tomorrow. I see you go to church. The thing that comforts me most is when I remember, I am the Lords, he was there from the beginning of my life, has been with me throughout my life, he will be with me at the end of my life, and I will be with him for eternity without fear, or sickness, or weeping. I will never be alone because nothing can separate us. Hope that helps.. Sometimes I get too caught up and I forget.

Hello Tonya and thanks for joining. I remember you from FB. I started this site a year ago because I had such difficulty finding benign brain tumor survivors, like myself. I'm a long term survivor ( but have many side-effects): diagnosed in 1985 at age 11. Besides connecting with survivors, we can exchange medical info, get support, etc. Please message me with any questions or comments. Thanks again for joining

Hi Tonya!

Welcome to this forum. …although I am sorry that your son has had to deal with a brain tumor and all that goes with it. Beth (founder of this forum) was 11, I believe, when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. And, there are others here with children who have BTs. I was skimming your comments to several of the members here -wow – you’ve been busy! : -)

You can ask questions of the group via the (discussion) Forum (see top of page for different links, if you haven’t yet had a chance to check them out). The Forum is where discussions can be held, questions asked. There is also the Blog – which members use to share their stories, talk on a particular subject, etc.

It sounds like your son is truly a brave young “man” with having had 2 craniotomies and rad treatment. How are you holding up?

I live in Algonquin – which is east of you by about 78 miles, on the Fox River (I admit – I checked Google map!) German Valley sounds familiar, though – I used to do A LOT of bicycling, including a ride out of Rockford, so I may have been out your way via bicycle.

Anytime you want to talk, I’m here – I also try to check in here several times a week, if not daily.

Sending lots of ((HUGS)) to you, and prayers for strength and healing…Bonnie : -)

*Yeah, people just don't get it...once the hair grows back they think everything is normal. And to be honest sometimes family don't get it either. My husband understands...I read him others comments so he knows I am not after sympathy....that others go thru the same thing following surgery. But I don't think my 3 kids get it sometimes. I have a son lives 10 hrs away who came to see me one month after surgery. At that point I could not hear in one ear, vision was bad, balance bad, face paralysed, no energy...they really came to watch his wife's brother play AAA ball in the area. After they went home I did not hear from him for 6 weeks. But I have had a lot of support and understanding from my church.
*Is there anyone on this website close to your son's age that could be a "pal" to him?