Brain Tumor Awareness Month

 Yes, it's brain tumor awareness month.

As much as I'd like to forget that life event, I feel like there are so many people struggling with the fears of that diagnosis that it's worth mentioning here on my blog.

Meningiomas are a poorly understudied and under researched brain tumor.  Click here to read about the research that is happening and some projects that are underway to help understand some more about why certain individuals may develop them.

If you'd like to read more about my journey, this is my post from last May.  Click here to read it (fyi there are some scary photos)  I don't like to draw attention to myself,  but most of you have no idea the number of people who are diagnosed with this.  Please, please, please if you know anyone who is going through this, let them know I am here to vent to, support or lend a hand to anyone in need.  Most people think that this kind of brain tumor is easy to deal with as most of them are benign.  However, many patients have other things to heal from after diagnosis.  Many have lost senses such as smell, sight (mom calls me eagle eye),  are paralyzed with nerve damage, deafness, paralysis, cognitive changes, severe mood changes, depression, seizures and more.  Too many lives have been claimed.  It needs to be studied!  Personally, I just don't know what to tell my kids or their doctors.  Could it be radiation from dental x-rays?  Is it hormonal?  Don't talk on your cell phones!  We just don't know.

If you'd like to contribute to the ongoing research, the ever expanding support group of "Meningioma Mommas" has a fund set up to donate to research. 

Click here for the link that you can donate to ... it is tax deductible and is appreciated greatly!

I've also posted some possible risks factors at the bottom of this page ... clearly we don't know enough about why we get them.  I just wish we could stop these tumors!

This is a photo I found on Meningioma Mommas facebook page ... Thank you to the inspiring photographer ... whoever you are!   Many hands needed in conquering this disease!

In Grace,
Krista

Meningioma Risk Factors

Meningiomas are most common in people between the ages of 40 and 70. They are more common in women than in men (74% meningioma patients are female). Among middle-aged patients, there is a marked female bias, with a female to male ratio of almost 3:1 in the brain and 6:1 in the spinal cord. Meningiomas are very rare in children, with pediatric cases accounting for only 2.5% of the total cases.

Currently, the two predisposing factors associated with meningiomas for which the strongest evidence exists are exposure to ionizing radiation and hormones. However, these factors remain largely unexplored and a large-scale examination on a population-based data set is needed to help clarify the roles of these risk factors in the development of meningioma tumors.

• Ionizing Radiation
• Hormones
• Other Predisposing Conditions

Ionizing radiation is the radiation used in medicine that creates ions by knocking electrons out of atoms. Ions penetrate and interfere with living tissue, causing tumor cells to die as they attempt to reproduce. Exposure to ionizing radiation has been found to be associated with a higher incidence of intracranial tumors and particularly meningiomas. Data from atomic bomb survivors exposed to high doses show a greatly increased risk for meningioma. There is also evidence indicating an association with meningioma from lower dose levels. A well-known example of ionizing radiation and meningioma comes from children in Israel who were given radiation for scale ringworm between 1948 and 1960. These children were observed to have a relative risk for meningioma of almost 10. The dose given to these children was approximately the amount used in dental radiographs prior to 1948. Within the Unites States, this is the most common form of exposure to ionizing radiation. A number of studies have linked the number of full mouth dental radiographs to risk of meningioma.
Radiation therapy for intracranial tumors has also been linked to meningioma risk, and animal studies support the notion that ionizing radiation can induce intracranial tumors, including meningiomas, by damaging DNA. No recent large-scale studies of meningioma risk relative to ionizing radiation have been conducted since the time that new radiographic procedures for delivering radiation have been developed. These methods use focus beams to help limit unnecessary exposure to areas outside of the target. A population-based study with a large sample size will help to provide a better estimate of the current association. Patients who have undergone broad radiation treatments in the past should take care to watch for symptoms (see Symptoms section) and monitor themselves for meningiomas. Evidence for meningiomas caused by radiation exposure may be multiple and are generally more aggressive.

Change is good ...Celebrate it!

Is most of your energy dedicated to supporting your young athletes?  You know, making sure laundry is complete for tomorrow morning, having enough food in the house for them ... is it your turn to drive the carpool?

If yes, read on ... if no ... I'm not offended if you tune out.  But there is a great appetizer recipe at the bottom to add to your list of go-to's ...

If you are still reading, you know where I'm coming from.

Although it is not a terrible thing to have a young athlete to look after...

(are you tearing up at the Proctor and Gamble Olympic commercials?)

there comes a point that we mommas feel a bit tired of the same old - same old, that manifests after years of being the momma they go to for all things.

Again, not a bad thing.

If you're ready for a change in your well-being and energy levels here's what I have come up with:

CELEBRATE YOU!

When you are looking for a path or motivation to get yourself back on track, you need to view this step as a celebration instead of a chore.

Simple words?
Big change!


Who wants to think of a healthy "you" with chores attached to the image?

I think it's all the way you perceive how things work.

If you see something as a chore, it just isn't fun.  At least I don't feel the fun when I think of a list of chores.  If you think of something as a celebration of what you have, or what you are at this moment in time, it tastes much sweeter.  Are you thinking of sea-salt caramels like me?

Digression aside, I  often think about all the complaints I hear from people about things in their life.  Whether it be about needing to lose weight, finding more time, making more money, cooking healthier, finding gluten-free foods, everyone sees it as a big issue of need and want.

Is it too weird to want to shift that thinking to:  have and enjoy?

I don't think so.

If  you are looking to upgrade yourself to include more healthy habits, envision that thought as a privilege.  You have made the decision to change some things up, because that feels right to you.  Yay!  Accept that you are celebrating change!  Enjoy that first step of positive thinking and make the commitment to it.

Whatever you are committing to, whatever you are trying out, celebrate yourself and that you are in charge.  Not your kids, not your husband, not your puppy, just YOU!

Much Gratitude!
Krista

Tomato-Avocado Dip

2 avocados, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
feta cheese - use to your liking
extra virgin olive oil - drizzle over the top
red wine vinegar - use about 1/2 the amount as oil
Combine the above in a bowl.  I love feta cheese and never measure, but you can adjust to what you feel is necessary.  

One of my favorite spots ... green trees are coming ... are you ready?

Much Gratitude for your support in my blog last week!!!

I was overwhelmed with comments and love and feel beyond humbled by it all.  In all honesty, I wasn't even going to post it as I felt this brought too much attention my way!  But when I use my words to help those with brain tumors possibly get more understanding, it's worth it!  Everyone has their own struggles ... maybe it's not a brain tumor but to live with a positive mindset that you can accomplish anything, is all that matters!

Namaste,
Krista

Live life - Love life!

Today is my 4 year cranniversary.  For those of you lucky enough not to know what a cranniversary is, it is the anniversary of my craniotomy.  I really can't believe it's been 4 years as I feel like it was yesterday.

This week I had one of those moments that just plain threw me.  Hannah and I were driving on Rt 3 Westbound in Clifton, NJ.  It was actually a beautiful afternoon between storms.  She was so happy as it was her last visit to her orthodontist.  We were chatting away ...  all of a sudden we were hit with one of those snow/icepacks off the roof of a big truck.  I had no idea it was coming and BAM!  Hit my car so hard I thought the roof was dented as the side mirror had collapsed in and my giant rear view mirror had come loose.  My head actually felt like it was hit by something and that was that.  It was over.  He drove on and I slowed down in shock that it happened.  Felt like there was definitely an angel protecting our Explorer.

It hit me later how sometimes things happen with no warning.  Sort of like my brain tumor. 

I'm not sure if I have any major words of wisdom now that it has been 4 years since my life changed.  I really feel blessed to still be here, yet I often wish I could go back to my simple life before surgery.  I had no fears and didn't worry about anything.  Life was good.

And then my inner therapist is like... what are you thinking??  Are you kidding?  You idiot ... stop the "poor me" attitude!  Do you know how lucky you are?  You are here!  No, you are not only here,  you are better off now than before!  And then I'm over the pity party and move on.

So what is my message?  I'm not pushing the greens or chia seeds today.  I'm simply thinking about how lucky I am.  How blessed I am to have always had the support from my incredible family and loyal friends.  I may get tired easier than before on some days, and going into loud places freak me out some days, and fluorescent lighting makes me dizzy, wish my left eye worked, wish I didn't bump into people in stores, oh yeah and I hate the dent in my head ... but I love the fact that this is my story.  I am so blessed.  I have learned to appreciate the now!

My mission is for everyone to feel good about themselves and enjoy what they have.  Yeah, we all wish we had a better this or a better that ... but once you stop and just take gratitude for where you are and what you are doing, you will attract more of the good stuff to you.

The beginning ...

Let the healing begin ...

My girl came to visit after I finally left ICU ...

Just hanging out waiting for my cyberknife session to zap the leftover tumor...

Lizard head!!  The cyberknife mask was a bit tight!

My man with me at my post radiation check up!  All is well!

I have to give a huge thank you to the awesome support team of "Meningioma Mommas!"  Liz Holzemer started this group when she went through the ups and downs of being diagnosed.  The facebook page is where all of us go when we have questions or need resources.  If it wasn't for this page I would never have known about the options available at UPMC!  

A not-for-profit organization, which provides support and valuable resources to all those affected by meningioma brain tumors and dedicated to raising awareness and funding meningioma research -

http://www.meningiomamommas.org/

If anyone you know is going through this, please share this site with them.  They would also appreciate a tax deductible donation, as they are dependent on charitable donations!

Nurture yourself with good stuff!
Life is short ... live it in your highest vibration!

Much Love and Gratitude to All,
Krista



***If you cannot read the title of the book I am reading above please do yourself a favor and check out this great read:  

The Very Cool Life Code:  The 7 Keys to Unlocking a Life of Freedom, Ease, and Connection
by Drew Rozell

available on Amazon as Kindle or regular soft cover

Happy May Everyone! Brain Tumor Awareness Month ...

Yes, it's May already!  Did the words brain tumor just make your skin crawl?  Sorry bout that ... but it's that time of the year to raise awareness about a cause that's near and dear to my heart ... ok, my head.

Yes, I love May because it's the season of growing flowers, Mother's Day and the start of Summer!  Although I'd love a beautiful bouquet of peonies for my day, I'd love it even more if we could find a cure for this little known brain tumor diagnosis called a "meningioma."  A WHAT??!!  I screamed into the phone when I was diagnosed.  Yes, this brain tumor is the most prevalent primary brain tumor out there.

"Of all the patients diagnosed with one, 65% are women.  According to Peter McLaren Black, professor of neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School, meningioma is diagnosed in about one in 1,000 people each year and that at least 138,000 people in the U.S. are living with one."

 ~Liz Holzemer, meningioma survivor and author of "Curveball:  When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor"

These kinds of brain tumors are the ones somewhat discounted by the medical profession as they are known as the "good kind of brain tumors," as many of them are benign.  Call me crazy but in my opinion there are no good brain tumors!  Many meningiomas cause blindness (that's me), deafness, paralysis, cognitive changes, severe mood changes, depression, seizures and more.  Meningiomas have claimed the lives of too many.  It is not a simple surgery (craniotomy) that is just finished when they close you up with titanium screws.  Many people have to learn to live with disablilites and continue to wait and see if the tumor will continue to grow.

I have been blessed with great doctors here in NYC and in Pittsburgh.  Most people who are newly diagnosed have a very good chance of finding a great team of neurosurgeons who have committed their lives to researching and understanding meningiomas.  But we still don't know why people get them.  I had a nice sized tumor the size of a golf ball in my sphenoid wing.  I've always lived a healthy life, heck I'm a holistic health coach!  What causes these things??

If you are able, please consider donating to a non-profit group  called Meningioma Mommas.  Our brain tumors are underfunded  and understudied. You can make a difference!

http://www.meningiomamommas.org/donations

It was the scariest time of my life when I was diagnosed.  I thought I was going to be gone ... not being able to see my two daughters grow up, or grow old with my husband.  I didn't know anyone who had survived a brain tumor or let alone had one! If you or anyone else you know has been diagnosed please feel free to contact me!  You are not alone in your fight!

Much Love,
Krista Daley
 http://krista-daley.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/
 http://www.refuelyourathleticfamily.com/

I have never shown this pic to anyone but my family.  I was in the ring with a heavyweight!

Cannot believe my Mom actually wanted to remember me this way!

My love bunny was able to visit :)

Isn't that too freaky?

Here is my "mask face" from the radiation at UPMD last March.

My man smiling to see my clear MRI last June.

Walking on Sunshine ...

Hydrangea Angel ...
She's watching over all the flowers here in my perennial garden ... we haven't had rain in a long time here in NJ.  Hope she can keep watch during the next heat wave coming next week.

Just an update to those of you who didn't see my facebook post two weeks ago (see below picture) ... I had a follow up appointment with my neurosurgeon just to go over the latest mri done 3 months post-radiation/cyberknife.  There is nothing new to report ... the tumor hasn't shrunk as of yet (maybe it will with the radiation) but it hasn't grown either so that is great news!  I am now on a "come back in one year" regimen - yippee! I'm so grateful for those who have supported me through the last 2 years and 6 months! Wow I just can't believe it's been that long!

NYU Medical Center - Dr. Chandraneth Sen's office

I've been busy learning the ropes of book publishing the last few months.  It has been a really good experience and I highly recommend it for those of you who have thought about writing a book and just gave up on the idea as it seemed too overwhelming!  I'm currently sending my book files to be formatted to be an ebook (Kindle and Nook)!  The book and ebook will be available for purchase very soon ... in fact I have a shipment on the way to my house right now!  I can't wait to hold it in my hands and read it!  My book is a manual ... it is designed to help busy moms who need some guidance in feeding their young athletes healthy food while maintaining a bit of sanity!   I'm not saying it will ever be the easiest job in the world ... it never will be!  Busy moms will always be busy if their kids play sports or are engaged in other activities.  But, in this day and age of never ending sports, fast food and limited time, we sometimes just want to feed them something! Bonus points if  it is easy and healthy!  So, that's what I'm all about ... quick, easy and helpful to growing athletic bodies (and us parents too)!

 So, go out and enjoy summer and when the back to school thoughts kick in (shhh, not yet) my book will be ready for you to get your kitchens, cars and fridges in order!

Summer Love,
Krista

PS  If you have young athletes check out the www.youth1.com website for news in sports!  I get to contribute an article every Sunday on athletes and nutrition!

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

Pittsburgh - 3 Down 2 To Go!!

Pittsburgh Zoo

We are 3 treatments into this Cyber Adventure already!  I am so tired ... not from the treatment but from doing some really cool things here in Pittsburgh!  I told you this was my Spring Break!  Seriously, I am not going too crazy (Please don't yell at me to take it easy ... this was my doctor's order: "keep up your regular pace")  but I am lucky to have my sis and mom here to share it with and do things we never have time to do at home.

They've nicknamed me "leopard lady" since that mask is so tight during radiation that I seriously have spots (it's a mesh mask) for hours afterwards!  I have to laugh as it's just too funny!  Anyway that's why there's a picture of me trying to bond with the leopard today at the zoo - he wanted no part of me!  Humor me people!  My brain is fried (literally)! 

At this point I have no side effects and I will continue to tell my body not to take on any swelling as I really am happy not to be on steroids.  So far my brain is taking my advice.  I still have an Art Museum to see tomorrow!

Thanks for the support my friends!!
In Gratitude,

Sweetest moment of the day ...

Krista

Pittsburgh Here We Come!

Really?  I'm doing Spring Break in Pittsburgh??  
Yes, the land of steel, rivers and hospitals await myself, my sister and my mom!  I have the opportunity to work in some girl time with some radiation.  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at Shadyside will be my home base for the Cyberknife treatment next week.  Cyberknife is a pinpoint type of radiation that targets only the tumor not the surrounding healthy tissue.   The plan is five treatments Monday through Friday. My remaining tumor was not fully removed as it's location is pretty tight with the artery and nerves.  I have made the choice to "take the bull by the horns" to fry it and prevent it from going onward and upward  causing more damage to the remaining nerves and my "good" eye.   I'm looking forward to working with some awesome doctors and support staff. They even let me bring my own music to radiate to!  Throw in some visits to museums, good restaurants and maybe a movie and that's pretty much a week off for me! 

Thanks to everyone who has offered to help.  I'm leaving the kids and Big B home for this one.  I'm sure they will have a ball ... probably eating chocolate chip pancakes at the diner every night!  Which is fine... just don't tell me about it!

I'll update you with my Spring Break picts! 
Keep sending all your positive vibes so I can kiss this remnant goodbye for good!
Peace,
Krista

Here is a link to cyber knife info:
 http://www.cyberknife.com/cyberknife-treatments/brain/how-used-treat-cancer.aspx

2 YEAR CRANNIVERSARY IN THE BIG EASY!

Gooood Morning Everyone from N'Awlins!


I am celebrating my 2 year cranniversary (yes, that's what we brain tumor peeps call our surgery's anniversary) here in one of the best places to celebrate!  We are having so much fun and eating such amazing food (and I'm even getting tons of my favorite greens in brand new ways) that it's hard to really put myself back in the mindset of two years ago at St Luke's Hospital in NYC.  I am continually grateful to everyone who inquires how I'm doing and understands that I'm not blowing them off if I don't see them next to me!

I'll update you on the status of my radiation soon - I have a second opinion pending that will help me decide what option is best for the treatment of the remaining bugger that is still in my brain.  We will knock it out from growing in the way that the experts and I  feel is safest.

Gotta get this day started!  We are going to explore the many parts of the city again today ...
In Gratitude,

Krista

St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square

At Pat O'Briens

Round 2 - Radiation!

New Year's Eve with my Girls!

Hello Friends!
Sometimes it's hard to remember why I started this blog two years ago! I love writing about food and all the little tricks that help me in the "Manager of the House" position! Here we are almost 2 years to the day of being diagnosed with a brain tumor. It's been a great two years in all that has healed, my brain becoming symmetrical again, and a new appreciation for life. If it wasn't for the help of my family, doctors and friends I would have had a much harder time dealing with the unexpected curve ball thrown my way. And for that, I am grateful to say the least.

Two years later I am happy to report that all is well. However there is a great opportunity for me to tell this residual tumor I've had enough of her (yes, I feel she is a female!) presence. You see these pesky meningioma tumors will continue to grow in many patients. There is no guarantee that they will not grow so we have to assume that growth will happen at some point. Being that my tumor is in a tricky spot near all my nerves in my face and eyes, the medical staff I'm working with feel that I need to stop it's growth before it grows. Otherwise the complications are not so good. So, we are at a point where we need to decide between two kinds of radiation to stop this sucker in her path. One choice is the gamma knife which is a one time shot of serious rays to the tumor. It continues to work it's magic long after the procedure. The other is called IMRT. This is an option preferred by my doctor as it gives the brain a chance to heal between sessions without as much chance for damage to the surrounding nerves. The only bummer is I would have to have it done Monday through Friday for 6 weeks in NYC. So, we are currently finding out anything we can about these options to make the best choice as it needs to be done in the coming months. The awesome part of this is that there are options out there that don't require you to have you skull opened with another craniotomy.

Thank you to those of you who have already volunteered to help out with this next phase ...I am just chalking this up to another life experience! You are incredibly generous and I am so blessed. I will update you as we find out what is the best option to take. As much as this just sucks, I am ready to knock this one out for the count for good!

Peace and Love,
Krista

Dinner in the Crockpot on this Rainy Tuesday!

I am testing out this new recipe that I will share with you all after reviews come in! I will say it smells great on this dreary Tuesday! I am gearing up for the after school activity!

Between the busy sports, the Christmas season that is upon us (I am really surprised when I see the date on my phone!) and the book I have started writing (more on that later) I am feeling a bit overwhelmed! But it is what it is and I have decided to embrace it all as "good stuff!" I guess that is one good thing about getting older! It will all get done and if it doesn't, it wasn't meant to be in my opinion.

Update on my first annual check up with the brain surgeon: all is stable. The remaining tumor is not growing at this point! That is good news. He did say that these meningioma tumors are beasts! They continue to grow as we get older if there is a remaining tumor that is unable to be removed. So there are options available for those of us with this situation and I'm checking into one next month. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is actually surgery without opening you up. About 200 tiny beams of radiation are delivered to the site of abnormality without much effect on the surrounding brain tissue. This would pretty much turn the abnormal cells into dead scar tissue. Pretty cool? If you know anyone who has had experiences with this please let me know. There is no rush for me to decide on this treatment however I always love hearing from people who have experience with it.

Last week was my checkup at NYU and Bryan and I had a great time enjoying New York. We decided to transform my anxiety about seeing my doctor into a 2 night get away! Certainly a mini-vacation when the news is good!

This picture is my angel on my shoulder! I have always loved these angels since I was a kid in Rockefeller Center!

Be Well,
Krista

February 8th

One year ago today I went in. Never in a million years would I have suspected I would have brain surgery. Who Me? I think you have the wrong mri image?!

Well here I am one year ago still in shock that I had to have my head cut open. Not to be gross or anything as I have a tough time reading the operative report... (Don't worry I won't start relaying it now!) but it's still so weird for me some days to not think it's just a dream. I have had some great friends, family and healthy influences in the last year that have been so eye opening (no pun intended!) for me. I've learned so much that in a strange way I have to somehow believe those people who have told me that everything happens for a reason were right!

As far as the vision loss, it's taken awhile to actually just accept it and stop actively trying to find a cure (although there are some stem cell cases that have cured blindness - really). I am now researching the safest cars out there for us ... some great new options for safety that I'd never even pay attention to before...and one more... my hair grew back! Oh yeah, this time with bangs... life is good!

I am back to health coaching! I am having a ball with my latest venture of group sessions! I love helping them find their balance and providing nutritional advice! I am back into healthy experimenting with food in my house ...

To be continued. I plan on keeping this blog open even though I opened it a year ago as a way to put information out there on how I was doing after surgery. I may move the brain picts out of the way now .... One year later I am ready for the next phase!!

Enjoy your day! Even if it is miserable out! Do something fun! Make someone happy! Take a warm bath! Buy yourself some flowers to remind you that Spring is coming.

Be Well,
Krista

August Already?!!

I could not believe it when I turned my phone on this morning it said August 1st! How did it get this late in the summer? Granted there is a full month left but I guess I have flashbacks to when I was a kid or a teacher and it meant the times of freedom and fun were winding down! Well this summer has been way too quick for most of us! I feel like the kids just got out of school and now we are back to school shopping! Yikes!

I know what is coming in September...schedules to the highest degree! Yep, so once I accepted that things are going to pick up in a big way ... not that summer swim team is not keeping us busy...I really have tried to just live each day to the fullest! Ok, if it means to pass out with a nap that is even better!! I hope you are all enjoying the season and all that comes with it ...

I have learned so much in the last 6 months. I have mixed emotions on this 6 month anniversary. On one hand I am wondering why my vision didn't return. I mean 6 months is pretty much the medical cut off for things like vision to return...why isn't it back? I have been working hard on trying to eat all the right foods, take the right supplements, and many other things I don't want to get into right now. But that is the way it is right now. I accept that and have tried to move forward with everything that it has taught me. I have cried so many tears (yes that eye still makes tears) and really don't understand how I managed to have a brain tumor. I still walk into walls, car doors, people (especially little kids who are short!) and don't know when someone is standing on my left hand side. So.... life goes on. Yes!! That's it. Life did go on and I am grateful beyond words that I can say that!

Gratitude....
May you all find it on your best days and those days that are horrible!

Here is a thank you to those people who have given me what I needed!!
http://www.appreciationmovie.com/

Lots of love,
Krista