There has been a lot of of "exciting" news about the latest research, drugs ... However, if you start to dig deeper, you'll often find that these are things that were introduced years ago. Frequently, what brings them back into the spotlight are lawsuits (Optune) or rights acquired by a pharmaceutical company (Vorasidenib and Servier). … Continue reading Excitement around new treatments for brain tumours is understandable — BUT …
glioma
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
Why I am not fighting with my cancer
There are people who name their tumour, those who keep their radiotherapy masks and beat their cancers. I am not one of them and I will tell you why. First of all, I don't name my tumour. I'd never judge those who do but I simply cannot. There just ain't the right name that would … Continue reading Why I am not fighting with my cancer
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.
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
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 Annual MRI Scan
I had my annual MRI yesterday. And there were many firsts. First time in the UK – Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham (scans also examined at JR Oxford University Hospital) First time that I was given contrast dye through cannula (this information is purely for the MRI geeks) First time after a couple of years that … Continue reading My Annual MRI Scan
Thereafter
After returning from the hospital we agreed with my parents that it would be best if I returned to uni and continued with my life as normal as possible. At that time it was unclear whether my tumour was malignant and I needed further tests and close observation. I was so grateful for their approach. … Continue reading Thereafter
My Diagnosis Part 2
My first MRI will always remain engraved on my mind… ... because it was just so casual. I wasn’t really worried or nervous. I remember my mom warning me that it might feel claustrophobic. But I actually did not mind, on the contrary, I found the sounds of the MRI machine quite intriguing. I recall … Continue reading My Diagnosis Part 2
Finding the courage
How I found the courage to start writing again and begin to talk about my brain tumour.
READ MORE -->
Anna's Brainstorm 