Meningioma Madness!

I am sorry if you are tired of hearing about Sheryl Crow.  But as upset as I was when this story first came out a few days ago, I am thrilled we are finally getting some attention in the medical community and the media.  I (and the meningioma survivor community) was upset at the way a brain tumor was being portrayed by her publicist and the doctors reporting on her condition.  Some articles were comparing a meningioma tumor to a wart … or saying that half the population is walking around with one and doesn’t know it as they are asymptomatic, or how bout the fact that 90% of them are benign … when people hear benign they generally think of them as minor.  Let me tell you, they can be minor if you have found it early enough and can treat it with radiation or a “wait and see” method.  Mine, on the other hand was more like a “Holy crap … get her in here … we are booting Mrs. Jones from her appointment to make room for this woman who needs it out pronto… before she leaves her kids and husband with a house full of  dirty laundry!” 

BRAIN TUMORS SUCK REGARDLESS OF WHAT KIND YOU HAVE!

There I said it.

In the attached article (http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com scroll down to June 6th),  you will read that it truly is a matter of location and size that determine a patient’s prognosis.  If it is big (mine was about 5 cm – golf ball size which is considered big), the more likely it will be to cause problems.  “It can actually be wrapped around the eye and you can lose vision (been there…).  You can lose speech, and on down the list.  Meningiomas can affect one’s sense of smell, equilibrium, and physical strength.”

I am sending lots of love to Ms. Crow and all those who are employing the “wait and see” suggestion. Every case is different for sure!  I was so lucky to have some symptoms to alert me something was up!! I feel so fortunate that I was given a second chance at this life!  Some brain tumor patients aren't as fortunate.

 I truly hope that the attention this week is beneficial to the entire brain tumor community as they are finding more links between certain things like earlier radiation to the head, bitewing dental x-ray exams, and hormone receptors in the cells that may be involved with the tumor development. 
By the way if any of you have anyone who is dealing with this diagnosis please contact me for more information on treatments.  I have learned so much the last two years and I love to share resources!!! 
Thanks for reading and supporting me through my own diagnosis!

Much Love,
Krista