Brain Tumor Survivor: Bruce B. last Updated: 9/3/18
I'll keep this short, I promise !!!
In 1994, I was on active duty in the U.S. Air
Force, when I noticed some unusual symptoms -
numb fingers, vision problems, slobbering on my
pillow at night (disgusting!), lethargy, and a
lot of staring off at nothing. Oh, then there was the seizure.
I was misdiagnosed by the military doctors for
two years. They kept telling me that there was
nothing wrong - which was what I wanted to hear! Then there was that seizure.
I had the seizure at home, on my couch. 911 was
not called, and I came out of it OK. But, I knew
something was wrong. I found the best doctor
around - she ordered an MRI... "A large mass" ( 4th ventricular ependymoma).
Three months in the hospital. Craniotomy (99+%),
radiation (fractionated, I got the full dose - no chemo), blood clots, trachea
tube, infections, pneumonia, PEG tube, and
maybe worst of all - those military nurses! (actually, they were very good)
That was springtime, 1995
Since then, I have retired, became the
facilitator of two online support groups ( the adult ependymoma and spine tumor online support group - part of T.H.E. Brain Trust, http://braintrust.org/) ,and
co-facilitator of an in-person group here in New Jersey ( The Monmouth and Ocean County Brain Tumor Support Group). I have
been to brain tumor conferences in three states
(so far), I have written an article about BTs
that was published in a local newspaper, I have
requested my mayor declare Brain Tumor Awareness
Week for his city (which he did), I have
traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak to elected
officials about brain tumors, and maybe some
other things too (you see, I don't remember so good anymore).
I have double vision (corrected by prism
lenses), balance problems, memory problems, and
other things (I told you I forget things!)
But, I am Alive !!!
So now, I drive slower than I used to, I notice more, I enjoy every day and -
I appreciate Life !!!
As of this date, I remain (thank God) tumor free. While not deficiency free, my quality of life is very high. More than ever, I am sure that having a positive attitude is paramount to ones happiness - whether they are a survivor or not!
Update 2/28/2012
In January (the 27th, actually), I celebrated my 17-year "Tumorversary"!!! I am very blessed in that I have experienced no new deficiencies since my original "survivor" story was written. Mine could recur, but my wife keeps telling me that there is nothing in my head so I am going with that!
Bruce
Update 1/28/2013
My update is that I am still here! - and that January 27th, 2013 was my 18th "Tumorversary" date!
Update 7/10/2013
As of my last MRI in October, 2012, I am "clear". I expect (and pray) this continues!
Update 1/25/2014
Thanks to God, I am still tumor free - 19 years!!!
Update 10/26/2014
All is good yet again!
Update 2/1/2015
Thanks to God, January 27th, 2015 will be my twentieth "Tumorversary"!
Held my 5th annual "Walk To End Brain Tumors" as part of the "Grey Ribbons Crusade"- raised over $33,000 for brain tumor research.
Update 6/19/16
I just had my 4th annual "Walk To End Brain Tumors - New Egypt" in May. This is held as part of the "Gray Ribbons Crusade". Through the years, the walk has raised over $75,000 which has gone directly to brain tumor research.
Still walking (staggering) down life's path!
Update 3/22/17
Now a twenty two year survivor!
Update 2/8/2018
As of January 23, 2018, I have been tumor free for twenty three years!
Update 9/3/18
Still here.....by the grace of God! My MRI is coming up, if I remember to schedule it!
I'll keep this short, I promise !!!