I was 11 yrs. old in 1985, the year my brain tumor was diagnosed. I had no understanding then of the impact my tumor would have on my entire life. Adults can't understand the long-term impact, so how could I? My dad got Make-A-Wish involved with me early on. Prior to my surgery he had Ricky Shroder call me; I planned on marrying him (me and every other 10 yr. old girl & perhaps some boys, too). Make-A-Wish also granted my wish and took me on a fantastic trip to California.

M-A-W…

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I have been sick most of my life. I'm 38 yrs. old now and spent two decades seriously ill. That means I've practically lived in and out of hospitals and emergency room from age 8 until I was 28. I've lost so much of myself during my whole brain tumor diagnosis and the aftermath of all my treatments that I have no idea who I am or what makes me happy.

I went from being a lover of gymnastics to a girl who couldn't walk properly. My balance never really got better. I think I've just…

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Before I started It's Just Benign I felt my adult life was mediocre. It seemed like I was cured by the age of 31. I had finished two craniotomies and six weeks of radiation treatment in 1987, at age 11. I really knew that I should have a much better job, friends, etc. But finding all of that was difficult. I had watched the success of my cousins and peers. It is very difficult watching your peers drive up in their fancy cars, wearing the best clothes, etc. and never acknowledging either how…

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I've been trying to sort out my feelings about how my life has been up to this point. It's not something that I really want to do but, I think it's something that's needed if I want to make my life better. I think that one of the biggest problems may be that I'm just lonely. I didn't really have any peers to share my feelings with. I never knew any other children who had a benign brain tumor or something similar. I had one friend who came to visit me while I was recovering at home after my… Continue

I was just a frilly girl who loved gymnastics and dancing. I knew that my mom was successful in part, because of her education, I planned on getting an Ivy League education, like both of my parents. I practiced gymastics and studied. I was proud of my high grades. That was how it was, in my eleven year old mind.



Even today, as a 36 yr. old woman, I haven't been able to fully absorb how my life changed because of my brain tumor diagnosis.My parents found out and two weeks later the… Continue