If you regularly visit SoSensational (for which many thanks; we truly appreciate your loyalty), you may have seen my blogs from distant parts of the Health Galaxy, notably Planet Rehabilitation and Planet Recovery…
To recap briefly, in January 2014 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour (consistently typed as “brian tumour” by me and Cyndy).
Surgery for its removal left me significantly physically impaired; happily not cognitively impaired, though with the energy-levels of a dormouse on sedatives, my cognitive abilities were, frankly, a bit irrelevant for many months.
But, hey-ho, I have continued to battle back, from weight-gain (a result of absent motor function in combo with steroids) and from physical impairment. On weight-loss, I am almost back to my pre-surgery weight – scales aside, I know this, because I got into a pair of pre-surgery pants this week.
However, much of my pre-surgery wardrobe remains off limits for reasons unconnected to weight. As I have previously observed, the phrase “Get a grip” has much more significance for me because I still cannot get a proper grip with my left hand meaning zips, buttons and other fastenings, are still very difficult.
My visual processing, which was severely affected, has improved, though it is still far from perfect. Recently, when uploading products for the SoSensational Shop, I inadvertently uploaded a bag which I thought was priced at £1,200 (which is already quite pricey, but it was a truly gorgeous bag). When I looked again, I saw the price was actually £11,200. At that price it would have had to be spun from pure gold by fairies, so I deleted it…
I return to the issue of slow progress in the hope that I may encourage anyone reading this who may be experiencing their own recovery. Lots of wonderful and encouraging sentiments have been expressed to me since my surgery, from expected sources (close family, close friends) and from unexpected sources.
All of it has truly been inspiring and I am genuinely grateful for every word. But perhaps the tiny nugget that has kept me going through all the downs and difficult moments was an observation made by the young head of physiotherapy at the Royal Free Hospital’s Neurological Rehabilitation Unit in Edgware, North London. I saw her a couple of months after I had been discharged – no, wait, after I had discharged myself – from the unit. I was walking again, albeit I was very wobbly, but walking, standing and able to hold a pen. She said:”Up to now, progress has been very visible and obvious. From now on, it will be much more subtle and visible mainly to you.”
And, boy, was she right! Apart from the Great Leap Forward as a result of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy progress has been subtle, and visible mainly to me and to those closest to me.
Except, that is,when I see friends whom I haven’t seen for a long while: then it’s like being 15-years-old all over again and having people tell you how you’ve grown… except in this case it’s how well you are walking/looking/getting around!
Have you experienced brain surgery and would like to share below, we’d love to hear from you…
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6 Comments
Jan, I’ve just read your update. You are doing so well. My dear dad says “slowly, slowly catchy monkey” which he says means take your time and you’ll get there in the end. And you will. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
How lovely of you to take the time to respond to my blog… I believe (and I hope) your dear dad is right… I certainly have no plans to give up anytime soon. Your kind wishes for a happy and healthy New Year are warmly reciprocated.
Hello Jan, I,m so touched and inspired by your Blog. A dear friend of mine had a brain tumour, cancer of the Thyroid , a brain bleed and a stroke…..all in the space of 14 months. Yesterday, Rose went for a check up and the Cancer is still there but the Consultant has started her on a new drug….so we are all praying for ye and for our dear Rose. Ye are ” Fighting the good fight ” together…….and I,m sure that with a positive outlook and healthy diet / exercise ye will both come through this battle with flying colours. ( We are in Southern Ireland and following your progress and thoughts ) God bless ye dear Jan. With sincere respect and all good wishes, Elizabeth Turner.xx 🙂
Elizabeth. Thank you so much. And I am touched and inspired by your very kind and wonderful message. I wish your friend Rose well. I sincerely hope this new drug works for her. With all my good wishes to you Elizabeth and to Rose.
Hello Jan, I so hope 2018 is being kind to you. Remember progress, however slow, is still progress. It is not standing still and not going back. I truly believe that whatever happens in our lives (even the horrid bits) happens for a reason. You inspire so many others with your positivity, warmth and honesty. Keep being the lovely you that you are and keep on moving forward. Sending you lots of warm wishes and love. Eve x
Hello Eve, Thank you, thank you for your beautiful message. Gosh, I am overwhelmed by your kindness and lovely comments. 2018 is, thus far, being kind… TBH, I look on every day, week, hour as a blessing and a gift. I can’t imagine I actually inspire anyone, but if so, I am delighted. Thank you again x