My one-year tumorversary
A year ago today, I found out that I have a brain tumor.
What a strange journey the past year has been.
In a practical sense, nothing has changed: I feel fine and I’m able to do everything I love. The only thing that’s different is that I know something I didn’t know before.
But in another sense, everything has changed. I’ve pondered the grim statistics. I’ve wondered how I’d cope with losing my vision, my coordination, my intellect … my life.
This odd duality—of being fine, but not quite—has brought some challenges. At times I’ve felt overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness. Other times I’ve felt oddly detached.
And yet, the diagnosis has also brought an unexpected gift: Everything is heightened. My time with loved ones is more meaningful, my work more rewarding, my quiet moments more poignant.
My life is richer than I ever could have imagined.
No one knows what their future holds. But on this strange anniversary, it seems fitting to give thanks for my life—and for the fact that I still have hope for a future.
Filed under: Brain tumor, Friends and family, On this day in history, Psychology, Random thoughts, Writing | 1 Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, grade II astrocytoma, medical diagnosis, postaday2011, stages of grief, writing
I don’t have a physical tumor in my head like you do. I do know what you mean about “time with love ones is more meaningful, work more rewarding…” though. Don’t stop blogging until your time has already passed.