Page 8 - 2018 September Voices
P. 8
COVER STORY
As I started my sophomore year of time, however, I recognized what was happening
college, the excitement and responsibility – my brain tumor was growing still. I had no
accompanying leadership filled my spirit with idea that my previous brain surgery was only
eager anticipation. I was honored to serve as the the first of numerous brain surgeries to come.
student-body vice-president and captain of the Unfortunately, my second brain surgery
collegiate volleyball team. It wasn’t long, however, didn’t alleviate my seizures. As they continued
until my health began spiraling out of control. As to get worse, I was again told that nothing else
a lifelong epileptic, I was accustomed to having could be done to improve my condition. I sought
1-2 seizures every year, but this was different. help from the other epilepsy clinic in Seattle and
Suddenly having 35-40 seizures every week was relieved that although they recommended
had me questioning my sanity. I took numerous another brain surgery, at least they could help.
anti-convulsant medications to no avail. With My third brain surgery was unlike the previous
the results of my recent MRI being diagnosed as two and shattered my fragile state; I contracted
normal, I was informed nothing could be done a virulent strain of bacterial meningitis and
to improve my condition. I was 19 years old and became gravely ill. Severe intracranial swelling
in shock – how could it be that there weren’t any caused 48 staples in my head to pop out, one by
treatments that could help? one, until every last one came out of my scalp.
Desperate yet determined to once again As I rapidly deteriorated, my parents, brother,
live a healthy life I found two epilepsy clinics and I were warned by my doctors that if I
in Seattle and signed up for the first available survived, I would most likely be permanently
appointment. My parents and I anxiously awaited disabled and unable to care for myself, work or
a new opinion. As the neurologist walked into finish my bachelor’s degree. After my fourth and
the sterile examining room he briefly looked fifth brain surgeries in the following two weeks,
at my MRI, hurriedly said he would be back in during which an infected portion of my skull
a moment and departed, but quickly returned equivalent to the size of an adult’s entire hand
with another physician. Little did my parents was also removed, my survival depended upon
and I know the news we were about to hear. The successful IV antibiotic treatment.
additional physician glanced at my MRI and Every day was a battle to push through
bluntly asked me “are you aware that you have unrelenting nausea and agonizing pain,
a brain tumor?” In shock, I replied, “no, but I withering from 140 to 110 pounds in six weeks
am now.” I was 19 and unexpectedly facing my while also losing my ability to walk unassisted. I
mortality. was climbing a mountain of mental, emotional,
Shortly afterward I underwent brain surgery and physical anguish. My resolve was stretched
and proceeded to enjoy 18 months of liberation thinner than I thought possible, but sheer
from epilepsy. Being seizure-free felt amazing. determination kept me going.
As I treasured every moment, my health Luckily six weeks of intravenous antibiotics
unexpectedly started to crumble again. This cured my meningitis. Less than a week later,
8 ONE COMMUNITY
