Introducing myself

[ArgonautGuitar]

Hi Brain Tumour Charity community

It seems I've resisted sharing about myself and my journey. So, this is a first step to open up and connect with this community.

In April, I blacked out on a Friday afternoon and woke up with bruises on my back, arm and chin. That led to 12 hours in A&E, getting admitted into hospital, and ultimately finding out I have a small, low-grade tumour on the left temple of my brain. Since that time, I have had two more seizures and blackouts. Most recently, in late July, I fell and fractured my upper left arm.

King's College Hospital scheduled brain surgery for me yesterday, 12th, but cancelled last Friday afternoon due to a more urgent case and then rescheduled for two weeks later on the 28th. I had been preparing myself mentally and emotionally, so it threw me for a loop when that all happened.

In addition to dealing with the tumour and seizures, my partner has struggled with the whole situation these past few months, and now our relationship is on the rocks. There have been mixed messages of suggesting we separate yet she loves me and wants to care for me after the surgery and during my recovery. It feels like she wants to be close and distant at the same time. I've let her know I don't have capacity for the emotional and mental turmoil and can only deal with my health and wellbeing until I am fully recovered.

So, it's been an intense few months, as you might imagine. Thankfully I have a supportive community of family, friends, colleagues and healthcare professionals around me, which helps a lot.

Thanks for reading my introductory post and allowing me to share. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I look forward to getting to know you and your stories.

J

[Retiredgal]

I see that this is an older post. I hope that you had a successful surgery and are well on your way to a full recovery (or already there?). I had hoped for a surgery on December 19, but this was pushed back. So am hopeful to have my resection scheduled in a couple of weeks.

I would appreciate hearing about your experiences (both surgery and recovery) and hoping that you have been surrounded by much life and support.

Take good care of yourself - best of luck in everything that lies ahead!!

Retired gal

[pi-keeper]

Seeing the date on your post I assume and hope your surgery is now done, successful and you are on the road to recovery.

I just wanted to reassure you that you are not the only one for whom partner interaction is, shall we say, unhelpful! My details of that don't matter but I just want to say it is NOT wrong to prioritise yourself in these circumstances.

Even before my diagnosis I had learned to meditate, and for other reasons to focus on being fitter and eating well. Even these faced resistance from my partner. But friends have, quite rightly, encouraged me to persist.

And I am so glad I have. Meditation can seem trite, and trendy, but I have found that it really helps me manage the emotional roller coaster that we all go through. And in particular, odd though it may seem, handling the fractious interactions with my partner. They don't (and won't) go away. I cannot change her behaviour - we can only manage our own.

But you can learn how to view them differently and so reduce the stress.

Happy to chat if that helps you, but really hope all is now on a positive trajectory as far as your condition is concerned.