Brain Tumor "The Struggle is Real!" |
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At Meningioma Companion we understand the SILENT STRUGGLE that comes with this diagnosis. You are not alone! Don't be shy to utilize this valuable support available to you. Thank you Brandi, Nancy, and Jennifer for sharing your story. You all continue to show growth with processing, accepting, and managing your brain tumor life. |
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Silent Struggles So thankful for this group of amazing individuals that have everyone else’s best interest in mind. I chose to keep my diagnosis quiet with only a few family members and close friends in the know. It was a long, lonely 6 months of attempting to deal with this diagnosis yet stay strong for those I loved most as well as my work family that looked up to me for my, sometimes annoying, optimism and positivity. When I found Meningioma Companion everything changed. I was surrounded by individuals that understood my struggles and validated my fears. They welcomed me with open arms, shared their stories, and provided the support I needed to face this diagnosis head on. It was not a group I ever thought I’d be part of but could not be more thankful for the wonderful people I have met. *Brandi from Ohio, has been a Zoom member since April 2021 and has joined 5 sessions. |
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3+ Years on Watch & Wait On March 20, 2018 I was diagnosed with a posterior fossa meningioma. I was shocked and scared. I had nobody to talk to about this and was beside myself. I found this group about a year ago, and I wish I had this when I was first diagnosed. It would have been a great help during the first few months of uncertainty. After 3 years, I'm getting more used to this diagnosis, and have less anxiety, but I will never be the same. Friends have vanished or just do not know what to say, so nothing is said. Very sad situation and very lonely. Thank you, Angel, for caring so much to get this group together and running. It has been a life saver. I am currently on watch and wait, and hope I never have to have surgery. *Nancy from Florida, has been a Zoom member since September 2020 and has joined 14 sessions. |
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Newly Diagnosed I was recently diagnosed with a meningioma. Where should I start? What should I do? I joined a private social media group and it was chaotic, opinionated, and impersonal. I saw a comment from Meningioma Companion about these small group meetings on zoom. I was hesitant and scared to put myself out there but I sent the email request anyway. Angel replied and I ended up finding a small cohort of people who not only have/had a meningioma but are able to offer experience and wisdom in where I am in my journey and where I’m going. No requirements, no pretenses, just raw, real emotion, and most importantly of all, an instant bond and friendship with people who get you. *Jennifer from New York, and has been a Zoom member since April 2021 and has joined 9 sessions. |
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Join this amazing community of beautiful, supportive, and understanding companions. Sign up for a Brain Tumor Zoom Support Group (BTZSG) now! You will be so happy you did. |
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*Please reply to this email with the session(s) you wish to join! All groups are Pacific Standard Time (Time Zone Converter) |
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SOME... DID YOU KNOWS? AND SOME... WHAT, WHAT, WHATS? We learn so much gathering for 75-minutes every week to talk, laugh, vent, and cry about #braintumorlife. Here are some lessons from the group! - If you are smelling smoke or a burning cigarette that is not actually real, this could be a possible warning sign of seizure activity.
- A Daith ear piercing could minimize symptoms of vertigo as well as migraines.
- Post craniotomy it can be more difficult to regulate your body temperature.
- Learning a new language with an app like Duolingo can stimulate the brain and help with memory and word association.
- All MRI machines are slightly different and dependent on your exact position each time you tube ride, the results can vary ever so slightly. Try to get your follow-up MRIs at the same place using the same machine. Never be shy to ask for anxiety medications too if these scans are stressful for you.
- Approx. 84,170 people will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2021. You are not alone!
- Patients spend years being misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, or and personality disorders when in fact a handful of them are suffering from a brain tumor pressing on parts of the brain triggering these conditions.
- If you have a cancerous brain tumor you may want to check out the Cancer Support Community. I recently connected with them and they have an amazingly large platform of resources and support that may be of use to you.
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This September is a special month because it marks the 1-Year Anniversary of the Brain Tumor Zoom Support Group (BTZSG). I'm overjoyed to hit this milestone. The community continues to grow and the bonds we are creating and the lessons we are learning exceed anything I ever imagined. It is my mission to make this companionship available to all people on this journey because the brain tumor STRUGGLE IS REAL and it can feel very lonely. I needed this platform all along, so rather than waiting for it to become available, I created it. Thank you to all who have supported me, and pushed me to keep going. It is because of your support and your proven, ongoing benefit from this service that I stay focused on this path. #StrongerTogether | | |
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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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