Posts Tagged ‘astrocytoma’
My Minnesota Public Radio debut
Back on January 18, I blogged about my two-year tumorversary. “I’ve tried very hard not to let it be the thing that defines me, the thing that shapes my life. But the knowledge has changed me irrevocably,” I wrote. “In some ways it’s been a gift,” I continued. And there have been many gifts, indeed: […]
Filed under: Brain tumor, Minnesota, On this day in history, Psychology | 6 Comments
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, Heather Munro, Heather Munro wordpress, Minnesota Public Radio, MPR
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 […]
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
With my apologies to those who are tired of medical stuff, here’s an update for my friends. A few weeks ago, a “routine” MRI revealed that my lymph nodes were enlarged. Soon afterward I got a call from an oncologist. Long story short: My docs suspected lymphoma. Next thing I knew, I was drinking two […]
Filed under: Attempted humor, Brain tumor, Friends and family, Psychology | Leave a Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, CT scan, lymphoma
My phone rang unexpectedly yesterday morning. “My name is Graham, and I’m calling to set up your oncology appointment,” the caller said. I was confused. “Do you know why?” I asked. “I don’t have cancer.” He had no answer. I wondered whether there was still a mix-up over my most recent MRI, so I left […]
Filed under: Brain tumor, Friends and family, Psychology | Leave a Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, cancer, chemotherapy, oncology
My best friend turns 49
It’s no coincidence that many of my recent posts have been about friendship. Since learning in a most concrete way that my days are probably numbered, I’ve gained a new and deep appreciation for the people I love. And chief among them is Steve, my husband of 20 years. Ours is not a perfect marriage. […]
Filed under: Friends and family, On this day in history, Psychology | 1 Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, birthday, Brain tumor, friends, friendship, Marriage
I need brain surgery? Really?!
This is one in a series of occasional posts about life with a brain tumor. If you’re new to HeatherBlog, welcome! You can get the full story here. I had a follow-up MRI a couple of weeks ago. And a few days ago, I got a call from my neurosurgeon’s nurse. “No significant progression,” she […]
Filed under: Brain tumor, Psychology | 1 Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, brain surgery, Brain tumor, craniotomy, Elizabeth Kubler Ross, grief
Nine months in: So far, so good
Last Friday I had another MRI. It was my second since my accidental discovery in January that I have a brain tumor. Today I got a voicemail from my neurosurgeon’s office. “Please call me back to discuss your test results,” said my doctor’s assistant. “Uh-oh,” I thought. I’d seen the images already, and to my […]
Filed under: Brain tumor, Friends and family, Psychology | Leave a Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, MRI
A big, busy Friday
I knew from the outset that today would be busy and stressful. I was scheduled for my follow-up MRI at 7 a.m., so I felt a little rushed as I ran around grabbing the things I’d need for the day. Still, I made it out the door on time and the MRI itself went fine. […]
Filed under: Attempted humor, Brain tumor, Psychology, Writing | 2 Comments
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, creative process, Keynote presentation, MRI, Photography, writing
The MRI countdown begins
I’ve been through this once before, so I shouldn’t be surprised: The week before each MRI is tough. Although I’m feeling fine—and although I haven’t noticed any significant changes in my health—there’s always a little kernel of anxiety and doubt. I call this state the “what ifs.” Steve’s been feeling it too. We’ve cried a […]
Filed under: Brain tumor, Friends and family, Psychology | 1 Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, Latin Quarter, Maison de la Photo, MRI, Paris, Paris apartment rental
When I logged into WordPress this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the word “Paris” among the freshly-pressed blogs. Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn to Jenn’s narrative about her month-long adventure in the city of light. Her stories and her pictures enthralled me. So I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that […]
Filed under: Brain tumor, Paris, Photography, Psychology | Leave a Comment
Tags: astrocytoma, Brain tumor, European vacation, Paris, Photography, Travel
