As I mentioned in my previous post, the biopsy showed that I had a grade III astrocytoma so I was recommended radiotherapy followed by temozolomide. Before I started 36 doses in April 2020, I had a CT scan and had my radiotherapy mask fitted. I was definitely getting weaker and by week three I started … Continue reading Treatment
My diagnosis
Update
It is so difficult to write this post, for many reasons. I haven't written one in ages, to be precise since 2019. A lot has changed. I met my life partner, we got engaged, I feel very lucky in many ways. Unfortunately, I had a scan in January 2020 which showed a big progression. I … Continue reading Update
Faith
I wanted to talk about a big topic linked to my diagnosis, which is faith. I went through a lot of different stages and it is interesting to see how my circumstances changed my views and beliefs. In order to understand my own evolution, I have to go to the beginning. I was born into … Continue reading Faith
How far can doctors go and who is ultimately making decisions?
An interesting thing happened at my consultation yesterday following my recent MRI scan. The consultant neurosurgeon and the Neuro-oncology Specialist Nurse had these martyred expressions on their faces. They said that my recent scan hasn’t shown significant change but they discussed my case at their MDT meeting and they believe that I should have a … Continue reading How far can doctors go and who is ultimately making decisions?
Being at a crossroads
You know that feeling when you have to make an important decision in your life or make a change and you are just really confused and don’t know what to do? That’s exactly where I am right now, and it sucks. The question that I get quite often is whether I’ve undergone any treatments. My … Continue reading Being at a crossroads
Why I still write and what have I learnt a year on …
I started this blog more than a year ago with just a selfish intention. I didn’t really care about the reaction this would get or who would read it. I mainly did it for my own sake. I opened up to the world but even more importantly to myself. A lot has changed since I … Continue reading Why I still write and what have I learnt a year on …
Scanxiety is real
I’m very lucky. I only have my MRI once a year, which means I don’t usually have to think about it for most of the 10 months. But then, the next date starts approaching and generally two months prior the scan, the thoughts begin to eat me inside again. My annual MRI is next week … Continue reading Scanxiety is real
My year of smoking weed and having Botox
2017 was a year of many firsts. For the first time, I had my annual MRI without any anxiety medication I did my first Reiki course Rather embarrassingly, I smoked weed for the first time Started using CBD oil And, also decided to try Botox. Wait what??!! One of the symptoms that I’m … Continue reading My year of smoking weed and having Botox
Meditation
Meditation has been a big topic for me. That, combined with breathing exercises and yoga improved my mental health beyond the wildest expectations. Meditation is quite a broad term as there are many different kinds and practices. It is very complex ‘exercise’, which requires years of learning, dedication and training. I am far from an … Continue reading Meditation
Letting Go
‘Letting go’ is not really a panic attack management as much as it is a state of mind. It is a continuous practice of positive thinking and ability to let go and don’t take things or yourself too seriously. But when you master it, then you will truly be the master of yourself.
Anna's Brainstorm 