My Brain Tumour Left Me In A Mess. I know we all have trials, some more than others. But God loves me, and He is always there for me.
Carol Vaughan is one of the strongest people I know!
In July 2016 I had the pleasure of interviewing Carol on my radio show. She talked about her experience with her brain tumour diagnosis and all the operations she has had to overcome.
On the 28th July 2008, Carol went to a courthouse for jury duty and was excused early. When she was going back to her car, she fell on the ramp. Because she fell, someone coming to her aid called the ambulance. In the ER after a CT scan, they found a brain tumour. Listen here to hear Carol’s original interview.
You can listen to Carols Original Interview Here:
Now 2 years on Carol Shares where she is now with her recovery.
Hi Carol, How are you feeling now 10 years on from your diagnosis. Are you struggling with anything since your diagnoses and recovery?
Not too good. Barely getting around. I have scoliosis and went in for a “routine” injection in March 2017 and got numbness, nerve pain and “drop foot”. Still dealing with it.
Have to use a cane and walker.
We all have trials, some more than others
I have been struggling with depression. You can’t even imagine having to look at yourself every day in the mirror with a deformed head
I still have no bone flap and can’t have any more surgeries. Nothing I can do about it.
Every time I had an operation I got an infection. (12 or more-surgeries, I have lost count)
I now have Frontal Lobe Syndrome. I will have to deal with this the rest of my life.
What has motivated you while you go through your trials this year?
My daughters are both getting married this spring. One in February, and the other in May.
What do you do in your life To Distract Yourself?
I just do the routine things…grocery store, pharmacy, doctor visit, read books, use Facebook.
What is the toughest challenge survivors face?
Dealing with the changes a brain tumour brings. Even if you have a brain tumour removed…anytime you have surgery on your brain you have Traumatic Brain Injury.
Any advice for people or loved ones that get daunting diagnoses?
Try to stay calm. Try not to get upset. I have my faith in God, and it gives me comfort, If I didn’t have my faith in God, it would be tough.
Who are your personal heroes?
Any person that is dealing with trials and troubles and maintains an uplifting attitude.
What would you say is the most exciting thing you’ve done since your diagnosis?
Probably the 2 trips we took in 2015 and 2017. Met another meningioma survivor, Claudia Helecky and visited Reno and Old Sacramento. In 2017 we took two tours to Civil War Battlefield sites in Gettysburg and Antietam and other near there.
Tell us something about yourself that people probably didn’t know… anything?
I have survived death at least 2 times. I wasn’t expected to live after my craniotomy in 2008. In 2015 I totalled our car on the freeway. Didn’t hit anyone else-could has died very easily!
God protected me.
It is in Your strength, not mine – 1 Chronicle 16:11. God loves me, and He is always there for me
Conclusion
I am so grateful to Carol for her bravery and being so open and honest with us about her struggles. Something I have learned over the past 10 years, that although some people are very lucky to not had any long-term problems from treatment or surgery. There are others who are on a continuous battle in living a somewhat normal life.
Do you have ongoing struggles?
