A Cancerous Brain Tumor Strikes Twice

When a Cancerous Brain Tumor Strikes Twice

A brave and inspirational story of a young woman and her two-time battle with brain cancer. Thank you Kristine "Maki" for sharing such an intimate journey and reminding all of us of the importance of fighting and the need to connect with the right support along the way. We love you!
 
Meningioma Companion is honored to make the 
August 2021 newsletter all about Maki! Happy birthday month to this magnificent Virgo!  - Hugs, Angel

Back in 2015 during my first year in nursing school, I had several focal seizures and after numerous doctor's appointments and referral after referral, I finally got some imagining done and they found a large mass on my right frontal brain lobe. At that moment I thought I was going to die. The ER doctors were talking amongst themselves about transporting me for emergency surgery that evening; all I could do was cry. Then, after the Neurosurgeon saw my MRI & saw I didn't have many deficits, he proceeded to wait and stated he was very optimistic to remove the mass completely seeing that it was probably benign due to the ”size “ and “characteristics” after finishing my last final in my first semester. One week later I was admitted for my first craniotomy and the results from pathology found it was grade 4 brain cancer (Glioblastoma/GBM).
 
I started chemotherapy and radiation therapy aggressively for six weeks and returned back to school by the next semester. Many people don’t know, there is no “remission” with a grade 4 GBM. Despite that, I was blessed to be 5 years cancer-free by the time it was 2020. At this point, I felt that 2020 was going to be MY year and I felt it was right to start a family. I had announced the exciting news on my 35th birthday. I was overloaded with joy that I was able to conceive despite the past chemotherapy/radiation treatments I had received. I happened to get a routine MRI the day after my bday, which then revealed new tumor growth in my brain. 
 
When I was first diagnosed my neurosurgeon told me never to look up this diagnosis. (Which I obviously did) “Glioblastoma multiforme: A grade 4 tumor is the most aggressive and fastest-growing type. It can spread throughout your brain very quickly. Everyone with glioblastoma is different. Some people don’t survive as long. Other people may survive up to five years or more, although it’s rare. Sadly, there is no cure and unfortunately, I will be battling this for the rest of my life. 
 
Despite the poor prognosis I will continue to stay positive and hope to inspire others to never give up. Do not believe everything you hear and read. There is always hope to beat the statistics. I cannot express how grateful I am to be a part of Angel’s Meningioma Companion Brain Tumor Zoom Support Group (BTZSG). I was so hesitant and skeptical when she offered me this support group that just had brain tumors, not necessarily brain cancer. The reason for the skepticism is my PTSD from a precious support group that was offered to me for GBM patients from my hospital. I had joined one session in 2015, I was only 29 at the time, and when I logged into the zoom conference everyone there was about 20 years older than I was and they were all shocked to see that I was there. I felt out of place. That group had no compassion, everyone was very angry and resentful of their condition, and had no advice or any feedback for me. I did not benefit from it at all. I actually felt worse than I did before logging in so I had severe PTSD from support groups and I gave up hope for that.
 
I can definitely say that quite the opposite with Angel’s Meningioma Companion support groups. I remain thankful she reached out to me and for her to connect me with these beautiful people suffering from this terrible meningioma disease. I finally feel like I can connect with people that have been in my shoes even though many do not have brain cancer, they have all been through the brain tumor trauma and anxiety-related issues having to deal with this condition. We have all bounced back great advice, information, and support from day one. I wish I had found this group many years ago. I recommend it to anyone who is struggling with this type of disease or anyone closely connected to the diagnosis who may need support. This group connected me with such great and wonderful people, whom I now call my friends. I cannot be more grateful for every single person that I have spoken to.
 
*Maki is from San Jose, California, and has been a Zoom participant since November 2020. She has joined 15 sessions.

Maki, your brave story has inspired all of us, you have touched our lives and we are forever grateful. 

Maki, I love you! So glad we met through BTZSG; I am honored to have you as my friend. You are going through so much but you always think about everyone else first. You care about how everyone else is doing. You are kind and gentle, beautiful inside and out. I look forward to many more conversations that we will share. Best memory so far, talking for two hours and getting to know each other even better! We are both awesome Virgos you know! I am always here for you and I love you with all my heart and soul! - Deneen

Maki, when I first met you on a zoom session, I immediately felt a connection, we were both going through chemo and I was just beginning my chemotherapy/ radiation treatments. We ended up connecting outside of the group by exchanging phone numbers through Angel. That is when you asked for my address and a few days later sent a package to me (it was a super soft blanket, eye mask, lavender candle and a cup with the saying “life is tough but so are you”). It warmed my heart so much to have someone I met once on this group and then only knew through texting and yet you reached out in this way. We continue to keep in touch and do weekly sometimes daily check-ins. Even though we have not met in person, I call you my friend.- Brenda

My dearest Maki, thank you for the time you have invested with the BTZSG group. You are one of the strongest and bravest people I have ever met in my life. Your story has definitely touched the deepest fibers of our souls and hearts. Personally, your story has moved me several times to the point of shedding tears derived from multiple emotions: happiness, sadness, optimism, courage, hope, faith, and so many others. You are an admirable person with a huge heart and soul, and with the strength to overcome that which is in front of you. Remember, God sends the hardest tests to his best warriors, knowing sooner or later they will emerge victorious from whatever obstacle comes their way. Thank you for the great gift of your friendship, and I believe we will be in touch for a long, long time. I love you very much! - Dr. Rod

My initial response to meeting Maki is what a gorgeous, poised young woman! Once I heard the story of her journey I was overwhelmed by her strength, grace, and courage. I wish I understood why such a beautiful woman has been made to endure so much at such a young age, but I don't and it's grossly unfair. We’ve all been through so much. The fact that we’ve connected through BTZSG is so remarkable and my hope for you Maki is my journey, everyone’s journey gives you the strength to fight. I hope our presence and words of commitment of being there for you provide comfort and I pray our prayers for your healing are answered. -Lisa

Maki, I remember our first few encounters, I wanted to connect with you and you questioned everything about the BTZSG. I totally understand, there is so much random stuff going on in the world, nobody wants to waste their time with the wrong platform for healing. I kept thinking this poor woman has already been let down by a zoom peer support group I'll never meet her. Wow! I am so glad you took a chance on me, on us. You have inspired me more than you will ever know. I find myself sharing your story with my family, my coworkers, and you remain on my get-well wishes every night before falling asleep. You are brave, you are strong, you are beautiful, and crazy smart too. Your heart is gold, I hate that this is your battle! I am honored and grateful to be a small part of it. Together we are stronger and together we fight with and for you. Yes, this battle is all yours, but know your cheerleaders are all here for you! Thank you for the gift of your friendship. - Angel 

Join this amazing network of beautiful, supportive, and understanding souls; sign up for a BTZSG session now! It's a gift to yourself and a giant step towards enhanced wellness. 

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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. 