Moments can change the course of your life.
One second, I was probably dreaming about landing an Axel, followed by a long blank space. The next moment, I was awoken by a bright light. Shining in my face. I heard a voice, “Oh, and think she’s coming back.”
On September 10, 1991, that’s what happened with my first seizure. Six days later, I was diagnosed with my first brain tumour.
I was 15 years old.
Actually, the surgery wasn’t too bad. I’ve had others since then, and the first surgery was probably one of my best experiences. Minus the food.
On October 17th, I checked into Winnipeg’s Children’s Hospital. My surgery was the next day, early in the morning. At that point, I wanted the tumour gone. I wanted to focus on recovering and preparing for the following skating season. The brain tumour sidelined me, but I was adjusting to anticonvulsants, which were revamped after surgery.
I was on a high dose of medication, and the doctors put me on one better suited for females. Plus, the first medication can speed up hair growth. Considering half my hair was gone, I didn’t mind that part. But, I also didn’t want to pour Veet on my face three times a week.
First, I’ll eliminate the low light of the Children’s Hospital. The day my neurosurgeon removed the bandages. When he was finished, he handed me a mirror. I almost cried. Between the med revamp, and the “we had to shave more hair than we thought, she has a low hairline,” it looked like the mirror cracked. I felt ugly.
Continue reading “International Brain Tumour Awareness Week – The Moments, Memories, and Pizza”
Tammy W. Karatchuk 