So there you have it. As I update this, in March 2010, I’m now 13 years into my brain tumor journey, with no recurrence in sight. I remain determined to live a full and productive life. During my brain tumor journey, my perspective on life has changed. Before this happened, I’m afraid I took my life, my family and my health for granted. Now I cherish each day I awake healthy. I also began as a brain tumor neophyte, like a deer caught in the headlights of an 18-wheeler. Early on, I found support from the examples of such people (sadly no longer with us) as Steve DePesa and Rebecca Libutti (survived 11 years). As time went by, I learned that I was also becoming one of the lucky few. When I participate in chat rooms, support groups and converse with other people today, it is in the role of someone who (so far) is beating the odds. Prognosis is based on statistics, which can predict outcomes for a group of patients. However, we are all individuals, and statistics are of little value when discussing individual cases. There are just too many variables that influence the survival prospects of any one of us. As I often say, “your mileage my vary”. To all who are reading this, and who have been diagnosed, or are caring for someone with this terrible disease, I say never give up hope.
Posing next to my truck at the farm in the summer of 2008.
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