#gogreyinmay brings attention to brain tumors via Brain Tumor Awareness Month Cancer or not, it seems like all the brain tumor groups and organizations are filling social media feeds with postings.
If you don’t know my story, it will be ten years ago this coming June that I first learned that I had a brain tumor. It wasn’t cancer, but it did wipe out my hearing on my left side. It was a Vestibular Schwannoma, also called an Acoustic Neuroma. Because it grows on the vestibular nerve, the typical first symptom is dizziness or vertigo. Since my tumor was removed, my right vestibular nerve has had to learn to do the job of both sides of my brain.
The Acoustic Neuroma Association has declared this week ANAwareness Week, specifically focusing on symptoms, treatment and patient stories. (I’ve been sharing some here.) I have been wondering what I can do to mark this year, since it’s coming up on my own ten year ANiversary.
Today when I was on a walk, I realized how much I was veering back and forth on the sidewalk. Even though I hadn’t had a sip of alcochol since Saturday, I’m sure I looked drunk. Tonight, I had a glass of wine and a glass of cider. As I walked towards the car, I tried to remember my walk this afternoon, and tried to figure out if I was more, less or the same level of dizziness.
I wondered if I could pass a field sobriety test. I decided to find out if I can volunteer for one. Maybe I could find a friend who could help me find out….
Any other AN warriors out there want to find out too? There are three dozen people in Bellingham THAT I KNOW OF that have been diagnosed and/or treated with this benign tumor.