This post is a little different than my others. Rather than a slew of pretty photographs, I have just one, a before & after picture. Let me tell you the short version of my story.
Five years ago, a CT scan revealed a large tumor in my brain. A month later, my head was shaved, my scalp was laid back, and my skull was carved open like a Halloween pumpkin. The tumor was a benign meningioma that had been growing in my head for 7 years. A few of the tumor cells were attached to my skull, so the surgeon cut away that section and replaced it with a titanium plate before fitting it all back on my head. (I actually do have a hole in my head.) After my scalp was stapled back in place, I spent four days in the hospital with two black eyes and a head swollen to the size of a Klingon's.
I'm telling this story now because I am so pleased with this photo I took on Tuesday: one of the most satisfying I have ever taken. On the right is the MRI from 5 years ago. On the left is the image taken 2 days ago showing nothin' but brain. (The view is an aerial shot, looking down on the top of my head.)
Five years ago, a CT scan revealed a large tumor in my brain. A month later, my head was shaved, my scalp was laid back, and my skull was carved open like a Halloween pumpkin. The tumor was a benign meningioma that had been growing in my head for 7 years. A few of the tumor cells were attached to my skull, so the surgeon cut away that section and replaced it with a titanium plate before fitting it all back on my head. (I actually do have a hole in my head.) After my scalp was stapled back in place, I spent four days in the hospital with two black eyes and a head swollen to the size of a Klingon's.
I'm telling this story now because I am so pleased with this photo I took on Tuesday: one of the most satisfying I have ever taken. On the right is the MRI from 5 years ago. On the left is the image taken 2 days ago showing nothin' but brain. (The view is an aerial shot, looking down on the top of my head.)
Coping with a brain tumor wasn't easy. Many of the procedures and tests were painful and scary. I have a permanent 13 inch, horseshoe-shaped scar on the top of my head, and I took powerful drugs that had harsh side effects. But if I could go back in time and erase this entire episode from my life, I wouldn't do it. I gained strength and understanding and compassion. I learned valuable life lessons. I met amazing people, built new friendships, and had extraordinary experiences. It was the best gift I have ever received.
Wow. Well and powerfully said, indeed it was a challenging but successful journey. Thanks for sharing, and keep on keepin' on.
ReplyDeleteAs JJ likes to say, Stay Well!