Over the last 12 months, I have had a lot of hurdles in my life. I have done what I can to find the positive. Brain surgery is a pretty scary thing. Don’t get me wrong, I spent a great amount of time crying in the back of my closet. But I am on the road to recovery and at a place in my life where I doing what I can to reflect.
This really is true.
5) “That what doesn’t kill you makes stronger.” Recovering from brain surgery makes me feel like Wonder Woman. The death of my father, divorce, bankruptcy, miscarriage, blood clot and most recent – this tumour. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Until I woke up from my craniotomy with 26 stitches in the side of my head I didn’t realize how strong I was. I had made sure my funeral plans were in place and my will was up to date. Despite my stress and anxiety, I had to put on my big girl panties and plan for the worst. This brings me to my next lesson…
4) “Be prepared that things may NOT go as planned.” I think it was Lennon who said that life is what happens while you are busy making plans. I am happy with my life. But if you had asked me when I was a young a adult what my life would be like when I was in my 40’s. This would not be it at all. I am young and healthy. Everyone from my GP to the neurosurgeon told me it would be ok, but what if it wasn’t? Nothing in my life had gone according to plans – so why would this? Planning my funeral and updated my will would mean IF I didn’t make it, the loved ones in my life wouldn’t have to stress about my death.
True friends become clear.
3) “I know who the people in my life are that I can count on no matter what.”This was a very interesting lesson and one that really hurt me before I actually took a moment to process what that meant.Not one person that I work with checked in on me the days surrounding my surgery.Some people I had worked with for over 10 years.Others would tell me constantly how much they loved me and where thinking of me but when it came down to it – they didn’t text, call or even comment on social media. Hospitals are not a fun place to be and I was deeply touched by the people who made an effort to come and support me.
2) “Things could always be worse.” Despite all of the shit that has happened to me, I am beyond grateful for the good things I have. The man recovering in the bed beside me had fallen and smashed his head. He was barely able to talk. The nurses had to feed him and no one came to visit him at all! By the time I was ready to go home, I looked at him laying in his hospital bed. I was so grateful to have a bed to go to, family and friends who had come to see me and that despite having brain surgery; I was doing good enough to leave.
1) No matter how old you are, you mom will always be your mom. Maybe it is because I don’t have kids? But this lesson came as a surprise to me. She lives about 1,000km away from me and drove out to take care of me. I told her she didn’t have to, but she insisted. I had a brain tumour and was getting ready for a very major surgery. My mom was worried. Even at 42 it was wonderful to have my mom to take care of me. She cooked me soup, helped manage all my medication, responded to the hundreds of calls, texts and emails I got, did my laundry and even tucked me in at night and said ‘I love you’
The tumour has been removed and it was benign. They have no idea what caused it and I will have to go in yearly for an MRI to make sure it doesn’t come back. My life is forever changed. Brain surgery has effected a lot of things that I used to take for granted. The recovery is slow and I wonder if things will ever be the same. I hope with all my heart that I will never have to go through this again. My life has changed immensely because of a brain tumour, but I don’t think it had been all bad.
Thank you for sharing your story, and for leading the way. In the past two weeks, I have discovered that I likely have an olfactory groove meningioma. Seeing the docs tomorrow for some answers. It helps to read what others have experienced. Keep on healing!!!!
You are very welcome! I felt lost and overwhelmed when they found my meningioma. Hearing others experiences helped me out. Have you heard of http://www.meningiomamommas.com I am going to do a separate post but the private facebook group was an amazing support. Good luck. Fingers crossed and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I agree with just about everything you said in the article. I had a craniotomy about 5 years ago as well but I had staples in my head – 26 – I know because I saved them.
I will never have an MRI again though because they put a titanium mesh plate in my skull. I recovered well and I am fine now but I still have headaches. My mother was too old to look after me but she called every day several times and my husband was a fantastic nurse!
I cried from joy when they took the bandages off and I saw I had stitches and no staples! I had 26 stitches, our scars must be very similar. Sounds like you have a pretty great husband. I didn’t ask how my surgeon put my skull back together! I should probably ask. Thank you for your comment. Glad to know other than headaches you are doing well.
No words to thank you for share. Next week I’m gonna have my brain surgery I’m so scare. Neurosurgeon said is a though one I lost my right eye vision and the left one is in high risk. Thanks again!!
I was scared, too. It is normal to feel that way. I will be sending you positive thoughts. You are welcome. I have been sharing my journey so that other people won’t feel so alone.
I had a craniotomy for brain tumour too and they had cut across my skull to remove it. I had 50 staples but a great family to look after me, care for me and call me. Friends who were living and caring. I recovered fast too and ofcourse gratefully it turned out to be benign a d I also have to do an MRI once a year. Good to read your story
Thank you for sharing your story. I think the most important part of a good recovery is the support you have from family and friends. Hope everything going on in the world you are healthy and safe.
hey Lacey, I came across your website after googling your name because I was watching an old Mazda5 review you did for Driving TV on YouTube. I was curious because your show was one of the first things I ever saw on Canadian Television after moving to Canada ~10 years ago. Sorry to hear about your surgery but looks like you have adopted quite a positive attitude. In solidarity I will also look into taking up a Keto diet and see how it benefits us.
Stay strong,
MB
Thanks for the email! I am recovering very well. And yes, the positive attitude has been hard, but makes a difference with recovery. I am just sitting down to right a blog about my first 7 days on a keto diet. So far I am feeling good!!
HOw has the keto diet been treating you? I was having stomach issues and have had to stop. Still including a lot more healthy fats, but more carbs than on keto.
My father underwent similar surgery back in late 70’s luckily we have so many new techniques and capabilities now. I understand the fears that you faced. I hope that things in your life continue to heal.
Thank you for sharing and reaching out. I can only imagine how things have changed in the last 40 years!! I realize that having your scalp cut open and someone getting close to your brain is overwhelming, no matter how they do it! I am taking one day at time and have a new lease on life. Thanks again. Really.
So good to hear about your recovery . I wondered about your change in appearance on tv and googled…what an ordeal you went through I read your comments of encouragement to my adult son who is still recovering from a few surgeries due to a dodge ram truck that knocked him into the ditch. He’s still concussive and your comments on positivity and fear resonatedwithallof us. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the kind comment. I am sorry to hear about your son… That must be a struggle for all of you. I am learning that head injuries (whatever the cause) have a massive effect on our lives as a whole. I will be one year post surgery in May. An physically I am doing great – mentally and emotionally I am still having to work. But it is getting better and I hope that will give your son some hope. I really appreciate that you took the time to comment. I love hearing from those people who know ‘TV Lacey.
I have a schwannoma and am 3 wks. Post op. I am having severe vertigo for nearly 6 months now and surgery did nothing for it. I’m told I now have to retrain my brain to it’s new normal. The tumor was not removed or my face would not work. I am 54 and depressed and a cryer. I wish I could wave the magic wand and go back. I also lost my job and insurance. I pray my days get better. Ty for sharing your story.
oh sarah – I can’t imagine what you are going through. And 2020 has been a shit year for everyone, you don’t need to add this to your plate. This comment is 10 months late. Are you doing any better?
I’m having a very risky brain surgery for a meningioma in my cavernous sinus in a few days….January 4th 2021. The darn thing is causing so much pain and pressure. It’s completely encased my optic nerve and internal carotid artery. Also pressing on the third cranial nerve and trigeminal nerve.
I trust the surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic but I’m still terrified. It’s the countdown now. Just finished pre-admission testing.
I’m a nervous wreck. I lost my mom recently to make it even harder. Oh how I wish I could lay my head on her lap and have her tell me it’s going to be ok.
How are you doing post surgery? Recovery is hard -so be kind to yourself. I am not overly religious but I want to believe that those who go before us are still around in spirit. I am sure you mom, is keeping an eye on you.
Hi Lacey,
I had a brain surgery on December 4, 2019 and I can definitely say that it is a long recovery. I am feeling better, prior to my surgery I wasn’t at a good place. I now have my life back even if it’s a long recovery I feel blessed. Thank you for sharing your story.
wow – thanks for sharing this. It has almost been a year for you now – how is your recovery? Are you back to 100%?
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing! I’m 40 and just found out that I have a brain aneurysm and need brain surgery and boy have I been going through the emotions. Hearing your story gives me the hope that I’ve been starting to lose. I’m happy to hear everything went well for you and I wish you all the best! Thanks again for sharing.
It is very scary – I am glad that I am able to provide some hope. Two and half years later I am fully on the mend. I hope that you are doing well and that treatment and recovery has been good.
Reading all of these comments gives me such hope. My husband had brain surgery after a assault. He is still in ICU and I am so afraid for the long road to recovery. We have a 1 year old baby and my heart is absolutely broken.
Hope is very powerful -Even with the BS and fear around Covid right now, we need to find some hope and goodness. My journey has me praying – I used to just ‘meditate’ but I find talking to someone else makes things easier? I don’t know what I believe, honestly, but I will pray for you and your family.
Oh Lacey, thank you for your post. I am scheduled for meningioma surgery January 20, 2021. I will have arteriogram done on the 19th. I am a 65 year old woman, very good health. With COVID restrictions and brain surgery I am scared to death. Thank you for your positive posts.
Oh my goodness I bet you are!! Sorry that I missed this comment but I will be sending you prayers. Please let me know how you are doing – Be patient with your recovery.
Hi Lacey, thank you for sharing your story. I had emergency surgery in August 2020. I’m still in therapy for my memory. I feel like a different person sometimes. I’m hoping my memory recovers and it’s just temporary. How long was your recovery and any suggestions for upbuilding your emotional state?
UGH – that is a hard question. This may 2021 will be 3 years and I still struggle with my memory. I have been doing memory training (just check out youtube) that does make a bit of a difference. I had been seeing a therapist prior to my craniotomy and just continued with appointments every 6-8 weeks. COvid has been hard on everyone – so be extra kind to yourself as you heal.
I’ve done 2 brain surgeries, 6 weeks of regular radiation, 6 gamma radiation sessions, and my team still isn’t sure they have my Brain Brat under control – oh, and he isn’t cancer! It’s been very difficult for 17 years, but I’m still here. I can totally sympathize about having family and friends, though it’s been difficult for them, too. The left side of my face is dysfunctional and deaf. Having to wear masks for covid has been an odd blessing because people don’t stare at my strange face. It’s reassuring to know others have come through all this without going totally crazy (I was a little crazy before any of it started, so that’s okay.) 😉
I think I have come out of this a bit more crazy than before. I am sorry for your struggles – but what a great story. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Here’s hoping that your Brain Brat behaves this year for you.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I, too, had brain surgery August, 2020. Like you, I was scared out of my mind, but with family and friends and God I made it through. I am still healing and everyday I have to remind myself that I am doing a great job because I survived brain surgery. Thank you once again for sharing your story. This has helped me greatly.