I’m turning thirty next month. It is a big milestone. Many people are getting all depressed about it. Not me.

For some time I thought I would never live until that magic age. I was almost certain about it. And I was wrong. Thankfully. You see, for us (meaning people with brain tumours), getting old is a lovely miracle. Nice surprise. I don’t take the extra time for granted. It’s the nicest gift for my birthday, actually.

I have been wondering how it feels for others affected by this disease. Here are their answers:

Andrew: I had expectations of what I would have achieved and where I expected to be by the time I was 30. It reminded me how unpredictable life can be and also that 30 is still young.

Kelvin: The thought I might see a few more key moments in my children’s lives. (A wedding soon).

Will: Hmm. Difficult because I feel like years 25 – 30 were partly stolen from me. In the sense that I wasn’t able to advance a career or a relationship or those sorts of things. But i guess I made my peace with it.

Katie: I loved turning 30 as it was something I thought would never happen. Since being in my thirties, I have stopped comparing myself to others my age in relation to health, having children and career progression. My friends all dreaded turning 30 but I really looked forward to it and decided to celebrate by having three parties! 

Maddy: I have survived for a lot longer than I should have!!

We do ponder how our lives could have turned out different, all the things we could have achieved. It does cross my mind sometimes. Should I have stayed with this ex (NO!) or start playing the drums (MAYBE). One of my goals was to become a war reporter. Hmmm, I can dream on. But as situations change, we adapt, our wishes and dreams transform, we take on another adventures and accomplish new things. Life goes on and since we still can participate, we can as well make the best of it.

YOLO!