NBTS Headquarters Blog
This week’s story comes to us from Jasmine, a member of the NBTS Patient Support Network. Jasmine, age 26 is a survivor diagnosed in 2005 with a medulloblastoma. She describes her experience below.
Please tell us a little about your life at the time you were diagnosed.
I was having symptoms for a few months (headaches, balance, major fatigue) and was a "busy body". I never stopped and just kept going. Later, I had an MRI that showed a tumor in 4th ventricle. I was scheduled for surgery and they were able to tackle it aggressively for a full resection. This did leave me with some deficits, but I have improved tremendously since surgery. Immediately after surgery I could not sit up in bed and now I can walk with a walker/cane. Currently, I am going to school to finish my degree and I really enjoy the Disability Education class as well as connecting with other young adult survivors. I know how important it is to talk to someone who knows first-hand about coping with this diagnosis.
What is one piece of advice you have for other patients/survivors who are coping with this type of tumor?
When things or days are hard, try so hard to remember these are hurdles and remember they could suck more.
What is the most helpful thing someone has said or done for you?
I used to say "I can’t” do something a lot, and my friends would really get mad at me. Now, I realize why when I hear others say it.
Describe your experience/journey in three words:
Hard; process; outcome.
If you could have your own personal theme song, what would it be?
My friend sent me the Lee Ann Womack CD, “I Hope You Dance”. I really liked it. I also listen to rap and underground.
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Posted by: Jackie2 on March 28, 2011 7:48PM UEDT
Good luck to your study! Your effort will pay off.
My Mother taught me when I was little to never say 'I can't'. "Learn, and you will master it..." She's a refugee in a 'foreign' land where she had to learn a new dialect, new skills, and raising up 6 children with my Father's meager salary... |
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