So I have recently been on Czech national news, twice, talking about brain tumours. You can enjoy the longer version here: https://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10101491767-studio-ct24/221411058031109/ Starts from 8:00 Some people might ask why I am doing this. Do I want to become famous? (hahaha) Last Summer (2020), I almost died. In other words, the radiotherapy would kill me … Continue reading Why am I doing this? / Proč?
brain tumour
How to cope with grief?
This article was made with the irreplaceable help from good friend and former colleague, Emily. Her older brother, Oli, was diagnosed with a GBM and passed away 4 years later on 6th January, 2019. How was Oli diagnosed? He had a seizure out of the blue. Never had one before and so was taken to … Continue reading How to cope with grief?
Život a jeho konec – nová episoda
Podcast v Češtině. Anna mluví se zdravotní sestrou o životě, jeho krásách a paliativní medicíně. https://www.youtube.com/embed/34E5ZbyteVU?start=7
Optimist/pessimist: why does it matter?
There are two types of people. Those who pee while having a shower and those who lie about it. Equally, there are two types of outlook on life. One that sees life as a great miracle, obstacles as a way to learn and to find new paths. And then those who think we are all … Continue reading Optimist/pessimist: why does it matter?
It’s just a ponytail…
Disclaimer: I didn't find it horrible when I was losing hair during radiotherapy. Equally, I wasn't particularly bothered when a nurse shaved my head before the surgery. BUT Today, I put hair in a ponytail. First time in more than a year. It was quite emotional not because the bloody hair won't finally fall into … Continue reading It’s just a ponytail…
Things you should say to a brain tumour patient
Due to a popular demand: What tumour do you have and what part of your brain?When were you diagnosed?Where were you diagnosed?What symptoms, side effects do you experience?Did it change your view on religion?What should people talk about more?What can you do?What would be the best way to help you?What has changed?What was the toughest … Continue reading Things you should say to a brain tumour patient
Things you shouldn’t say to a brain tumour patient
I do realise that everyone is different and what might bother me could be fine with you and vice versa. Hence, this is my list. The best strategy is to effectively communicate and ask what would the person like. There is never anything wrong with asking. Ohhhh brain cancer, that's a horrible thing to have. … Continue reading Things you shouldn’t say to a brain tumour patient
Interview with Neil
I wrote this in 2018 and couldn't be more proud. Neil is doing amazing and works for Shine Cancer Support. So happy that he is my friend. Neil was only 25 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of a plum. After painful brain surgery, he was told his tumour was a … Continue reading Interview with Neil
Supplements
I take these daily: Great hormone. Helps me to sleep. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/sodium-dichloroacetate The DCA has a few side effects so I'm supplementing with vitamin B. More vitamins B. And finally... If I know that I will eat rubbish on a particular day.
Problem walking
The radiotherapy worsened my walking. I could see the change from week one. First few days, I walked to the hospital by myself. By week seven, my balance was affected, I was very weak, especially on the right hand-side, and had to rely on patient transport. Some people claim that I should have started exercising … Continue reading Problem walking
Anna's Brainstorm 