My friend Susie sent me this amazing article that her partner Scott found. I could not imagine the research and fundraising this courageous family had to go through. I am so grateful that I do not have to worry about finding treatment and particularly surgery, let alone fundraising to pay for them. Her story is truly inspirational – Take a read – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1199471/At-19-Meg-told-brain-tumour-inoperable-Nonsense-said-mother-I-wont-let-daughter-die.html
My surgery was extremely successful, and removed the majority of the tumor. One thing that long term survivors of Glioblastomas share is that most have surgery early in their diagnosis, and the surgery is successful in removing the majority of the tumor. This happened in my case, in fact they removed everything that they could see outside of a microscope. My neuro -surgeon, Dr Mark Hamilton is amazing and like the surgeon mentionned in the above article, has developped new techniques to improve success of surgeries like mine. My scar has completely healed and I spent only 2 days in hospital recovering. Considering I had brain surgery to remove a 6.5 cm tumor, this type of recovery is amazing. Dr Hamilton is also doing some incredible research. A lot of his research has been focused on Glioblastomas (Glio for short). I have signed off to be part of research projects his team is doing and I am look forward to reaping the benefits of his work. This is the main reason why I have chosen the Alberta Cancer Foundation as my charity, because I know that people like Dr Hamilton will receive these donations as grants to further develop techniques and treatments they will eventually use on me. Check out the SUPPORT ALYSON page for information on how you can support this research. You can read about Dr Hamilton at http://www.ucalgary.ca/braintumourcentre/node/108
I hope that you would also consider the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada as a charity of choice (www.braintumour.ca). They offer wonderful services specifically geared towards brain tumour survivors and their families as well as support research efforts in this area. It’s very nice to have something out there that is brain tumour specific!
I have not engaged with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada yet but I have friends who have and know they do great work. I have actually chosen this group for my Volunteering Charity. On my business cards I have three things listed under Support Me – and Volunteer directs people Canadian Brain Tumour Association – A great organization for sure
Take a look – http://www.braintumour.ca/braintumour.nsf/eng/home
Unbelievable! You write so well, no one would ever guess you have had brain surgery….Wow…I have had a few parts of my brained removed too…Never again for me….My life was ruined due to my surgery…I pray yours will turn out much better!!!!!!!!
I will RIP before I go through that again! The side of my skull is even caved in a good bit where they operated but I have no trust in surgeons to fix it. I wouldn’t let them work on my PC much less my head.
Next time for me…just give me unlimited vicodine until drift away with a smile