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I'll keep this short, I promise!!!
In 1994, I was on active duty in the U.S. Air
Force, when I noticed some unusual symptoms -
numb fingers, vision problems, slobbering on my
pillow at night (disgusting!), lethargy, and a
lot of staring off at nothing. Oh, then there was the seizure.
I was misdiagnosed by the military doctors for
two years. They kept telling me that there was
nothing wrong - which was what I wanted to hear! Then there was that seizure.
I had the seizure at home, on my couch. 911 was
not called, and I came out of it OK. But, I knew
something was wrong. I found the best doctor
around - she ordered an MRI... "A large mass" ( 4th ventricular ependymoma).
Three months in the hospital. Craniotomy (99+%),
radiation (fractionated, I got the full dose - no chemo), blood clots, trachea
tube, infections, pneumonia, PEG tube, and
maybe worst of all - those military nurses! (actually, they were very good)
That was springtime, 1995
Since then, I have retired, became the
facilitator of two online support groups ( the adult ependymoma and spine tumor online support group - part of T.H.E. Brain Trust, http://braintrust.org/) ,and
co-facilitator of an in-person group here in New Jersey ( The Monmouth and Ocean County Brain Tumor Support Group). I have
been to brain tumor conferences in three states
(so far), I have written an article about BTs
that was published in a local newspaper, I have
requested my mayor declare Brain Tumor Awareness
Week for his city (which he did), I have
traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak to elected
officials about brain tumors, and maybe some
other things too (you see, I don't remember so good anymore).
I have double vision (corrected by prism
lenses), balance problems, memory problems, and
other things (I told you I forget things!)
But, I am Alive!!!
So now, I drive slower than I used to, I notice more, I enjoy every day and - I appreciate Life!!!
As of this date, I remain (thank God) tumor free. While not deficiency free, my quality of life is very high. More than ever, I am sure that having a positive attitude is paramount to ones happiness - whether they are a survivor or not!
My update is that I am still here! - and that January 27th, 2013 was my 18th "Tumorversary" date!
As of my last MRI in October, 2012, I am "clear". I expect (and pray) this continues!
Thanks to God, I am still tumor free - 19 years!!!
All is good yet again!
Thanks to God, January 27th, 2015 will be my twentieth "Tumorversary"!
Wrote an article for the "International Brain Tumor Association", that was published in their 2015/16 annual report:
Look at pages 44 and 45!
http://issuu.com/ibta-org/docs/ibta-2015/19?e=12469959/13388134
Held my 5th annual "Walk To End Brain Tumors" as part of the "Grey Ribbons Crusade"- raised over $33,000 for brain tumor research.
I just had my 4th annual "Walk To End Brain Tumors - New Egypt" in May. This is held as part of the "Gray Ribbons Crusade". Through the years, the walk has raised over $75,000 which has gone directly to brain tumor research.
Still walking (staggering) down life's path!
Now a twenty two year survivor!
As of January 23, 2018, I have been tumor free for twenty three years!
Still here.....by the grace of God! My MRI is coming up, if I remember to schedule it!
After 26 1/2 years, I remain happy and healthy - thank God!
Bruce B.