We all have probably heard about the five stages of grief. These, often referred to as the Kübler-Ross model, were initially introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book "On Death and Dying." It's essential to note that these stages are not necessarily experienced in a linear fashion, and individuals may go through them … Continue reading Stages of grief
diagnosis
How to deal with a seasonal depression?
The festive season ought to be festive, right? All in the non-stop joy and laughter culminating on the New Year's Eve. The cold, short, dark, and gloomy days can be particularly hard for those bereaved or others having some mobility issues. The ice and snow make it especially challenging. I noticed it myself, that due … Continue reading How to deal with a seasonal depression?
How am I now?
This whole website is about me and my journey, so I feel a bit weird writing this. But people ask often about my current state. I have written about different issues I face and approaches I took but not an overall summary. So here it is: I was diagnosed January 2013. Undergone alternative stem cell … Continue reading How am I now?
Finding the small joys
Two days ago, I had an early morning call with Andrew. He mentioned that a person who we both knew, (also had a brain tumour) passed away. When he told me, a single song popped up on my mind. When we finished the video call, I played the tune loud on the radio. As it … Continue reading Finding the small joys
International Brain Tumour Conference 2023
A few weeks ago, I attended a conference organised by the International Brain Tumor Alliance (IBTA). It took place in Vienna over the course of three days. I encountered a few familiar faces, including former colleague and established new connections and friendships. It was a great opportunity to see what everyone else is doing, globally, … Continue reading International Brain Tumour Conference 2023
Healed, but not cured
For way over these 10 years, living with my brain tumour, I have encountered "the war rhetoric", the victim mentality, power of prayer, miracle treatments, ... The list just goes on. (I have expressed my views on the words like "battle", "war", "fight", defeat", "warrior", "loosing a battle" and so on HERE. People talk about … Continue reading Healed, but not cured
Brain tumour & Different experience between males and females
Having a brain tumour is tough for everyone. It's often classified as an "invisible illness", a medical condition that is not outwardly visible to others, even healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, it does have a lifetime consequences on one's quality of life. (Even if you are lucky enough to have the lesion removed by surgery and no … Continue reading Brain tumour & Different experience between males and females
What caused my cancer?
You might think this is a clickbait ... it is and it isn't. Let me explain. I was born in a former communist country, not long after the Velvet Revolution. My Mum always described a traumatic labour in a very grim hospital. Room filled with loud screams of other expecting mothers. She was alone (fathers … Continue reading What caused my cancer?
Dating with a broken heart (and a brain tumour)
Valentine's Day can be hard for those who are single, widowed, broken-hearted, cheated on, rejected, ... basically it can be hard for us all. I often think how dating and making new friends can be challenging for young people with brain tumours. SPOILER ALERT: it is extremely difficult! I can explain why: from certain age, … Continue reading Dating with a broken heart (and a brain tumour)
Unbearable lightness of time
Christmas and New Years Evening have become this hope and love filled marketing bullshit and they were particularly difficult for me this past season. It daunted on me that it is exactly 10 years since all this started and I realised the baby I aborted would be 7 this year. Many different lives I could've … Continue reading Unbearable lightness of time
Anna's Brainstorm 