One week ago, I learned that I have a brain tumor. The neurologist I saw for a strange headache wasn’t looking for a brain tumor, and they tumor she found isn’t related to the headache, but here we are. The MRI report says it’s a “cerebellopontine angle mass” and is “consistent with meningioma.”
I’m still reeling from this diagnosis. An appointment with a neurosurgeon is a few weeks away, so in the meanwhile I’m trying to learn more about meningiomas and how they are treated. Meningiomas are largely benign and the neurologist says mine is small, but I already know from searching that it’s probably large for its location. And I also know that CPA masses are “skull base” tumors that can be more difficult to reach and remove.
Without knowing more, this is all I can go on for now. I’m trying to remain calm and grateful that it isn’t something worse.
I just finished Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman and I’m officially putting it on my imaginary list of books that really make me think.
This book is the story of the January 12, 1888, blizzard that led to the deaths of hundreds of people—many of them children who had gone off to school for the day and then tried to get home after the storm began. It is harrowing in its deadly detail, but also a fascinating look at the early days of meteorology and the personal stories of immigrants to the Great Plains.