WHAT WE LEARNED IN APRIL! |
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"OUR ANXIETY & FEAR IS VERY REAL!" Tips from your Brain Tumor Zoom Support Group (BTZSG) peers! |
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The most common feeling we all have is anxiety! No matter how much yoga, meditation, hobbies, even talk therapy that we do, anxiety is the one thing that creeps up on us all. Having a brain tumor is a lifelong diagnosis, it's not as simple as removing your tonsils or breaking an arm that can heal with no real long-term worry. This is a condition, a life-changing diagnosis, that truly overwhelms many of us. You are not alone if you feel the many signs of anxiety as shown above. There will be times where your anxiety is heightened, (like when you need your MRI), and other times where you feel good, have a boost of energy, and for a moment in time feel as though your condition is totally manageable. Work to accept that anxiety is a common natural side-effect of this condition, and set yourself up for success when tuning into the signs of it. Remember, anxiety can lead to panic attacks. If you want to learn some best practices on how to manage those click here. |
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Practice learning a new language to stimulate your brain. Fog brain, memory issues, brain fatigue, confusing words, forgetting words, and overall losing your train of thought are all symptoms of this condition. One of our members has discovered that studying a new language has stimulated her brain and helped her to be more clear with her words and thoughts. Studies show that learning a new language increases the volume and density of gray matter, the volume of white matter, and overall brain connectivity. It can also help with your memory! Start learning your new language today at Duolingo.com. |
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At least your meningioma is not cancer! I can't tell you how much our community hates this phrase. Now, those of us with benign tumors are thankful to have one less worry than those diagnosed with cancer, however, we all know that the pain, worry, deficits, and damage that any and all brain tumors present to us is a very difficult thing to accept. Occasionally people go into their craniotomy confident that they are removing a benign tumor just to discover post-surgery that it was in fact cancerous. Nobody ever knows what direction this journey may go, but together in our support group, we can help each other through it. Here is an article that provides some hope in this field of medicine: Israeli scientists stop brain tumors in mice, say could cure a deadly cancer |
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Please respond directly to this email if you wish to register for a session. Your 1st session is FREE! The last session of every month is also FREE! Everyone has the opportunity to participate free of charge; if you want to join more often or at your preferred day and time, the small contribution of $7 per seat helps me to maintain the platforms required to keep us organized and connected. NOTE: Groups are PACIFIC STANDARD TIME. MAY SESSIONS: Sun, May 9th: 4:45pm-6pm Sat, May 22nd: 9:45am-11am Sat, May 29th: 9:45am-11am JUNE SESSIONS: Thur, June 10th: 9:45am-11am Tues, June 22nd: 9:45am-11am Sun, June 27th: 5:45pm-7pm |
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In case you did not know, I blog and have done so for over a decade. Angelisms, is a side passion of mine, a personal journal if you will. Looking back, it amazes me how wise my thinking was in my mid-thirties. I remind myself sometimes to listen to that younger version of me. The below blog from 2013, BE IN THIS MOMENT, is a good reminder of how important it is to remain present no matter what obstacle we are faced with. I hope you enjoy reading it. XO, Angel |
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Angelism: "Stop always looking forward to a day that has not yet arrived when you can be enjoying the moment that you are in with the people that you are with." I am guilty of countdowns and planning so far into the future that much of my day-to-day focus goes towards the time I'm not sure I will be gifted. So often on social media sites, I see people posting things like; Is it Friday yet? When will it be Fall? Only 100 days til Christmas! I can't wait for my wedding! And my favorite one is T-20 days until my vacation. But what if that future day we keep yearning for never comes? On Monday of last week, I wished it was Friday, I wanted nothing more than to be off work and to start our three-day Labor Day weekend. I wished it was Friday until Friday arrived and I was woken up by a phone call saying my mother-in-law had passed away in her sleep. At that moment I wished nothing more than to be able to reverse time, and for it to be any other moment prior to the one I was in. Read more |
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Being a Brain Tumor Companion is a labor of love. When I was diagnosed over nine years ago, I was so confused. When I got the news that I needed a craniotomy, I was changed forever. The support I craved was not available. Yes, Facebook groups are great, but my posts faded fast. I wanted to cry, laugh, vent, and learn from someone I could rely on. In late 2019, I began one-on-one companion sessions to help pay-it-forward, and in September 2020, I began hosting Brain Tumor Zoom Support Groups (BTZSG). I now offer the platform which I needed all along. Connect with others and never feel alone on this journey again. It's a gift to share in real time, with those who "Get it!" | | |
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The information provided in this newsletter is not to be perceived as medical advice, simply information that is shared by brain tumor peers. Meningioma Companion is not contracted or paid to promote any of the people, companies, or groups that are shared on this platform. To unsubscribe from Meningioma Companions monthly newsletter reply STOP to this email and if willing please share why you decided to leave. |
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