If a picture is worth 1,000 words… and I’m posting 16 pictures… that’s like 16,000 words. Right? (you didn’t think I was really going to write 16,000 words did you?)
So all this started back on April 21, 2011. Being that its now April 3, 2012… I see no reason why I can jump the gun a bit and post this a little early.
April 22, 2011: One day after finding out I have a brain tumor, I’m waiting in an ER room to see my first specialist.
April 25, 2011: Just three days later, I’m discharged from the hospital after having a front temporal craniotomy.
April 27, 2011: Face swollen and loaded up on medicine, I decide to shave my head.
July 28, 2011: A few months later my surgeon finally says I’ve recovered enough for treatment to begin. I take a photo on the first day.
August 15, 2011: A few weeks into radiation and chemotherapy.
August 19, 2011: The side effects of treatment really start to show. I’ve lost over 20lbs.
September 6, 2011: My platelets bottom out and I’m in an ER getting transfused. Chemo is halted for health concerns.
September 9, 2011: Even three days after the transfusion my platelets have barely recovered.
September 16, 2011: Last radiation treatment!
September 26, 2011: I remember to take a comparison photo.
October 5, 2011: Still haven’t recovered from the effects of radiation.
October 25, 2011: Electroencephalogram (EEG) test. My neurologist wants to know more about my seizures.
December 8, 2011: Platelets finally get back to a normal level! I’ve been off chemo for 3 months.
January 10, 2012: I’ve lost nearly 30lbs so far. I take up light-weight lifting, jogging, hiking, stretching and sit-ups. I start eating healthier than ever and add lots of protein and calories to my diet.
March 31, 2012: I’ve had two MRIs with great results. I feel good, my hair is back and I’ve been back to work for 3 months now.
It’s exciting to look back and see how well I’ve recovered… but I’m far from done and my fight isn’t over. I still have brain cancer and its not going anywhere. My only chance is to keep happy and healthy; mentally and physically. I look forward to keeping everyone up to date on my progress!
TO BE CONTINUED…