When 30 Years Feels Like Yesterday – The Chronicles and Confessions Of A Brain Tumour Survivor

Sept 16, 1991, Monday Dear Diary, The nerologist, Mr. Young, told me that I have a brain tumor. It`s the size of a nickle. They are sending me for more tests this week ... I`m kind of still in shock. I never expected this. I expected epilepsy or, many be nothing. Jenn took it hard. …

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Dear Diary – The Entry I Didn’t Write on September 9th, 1991

None Kirana / My Orange Notebook It was a Tuesday. Tomorrow, September 10th, is 28 years since my first seizure. Right down to the weekday. But what about September 9th? Before my life changed overnight? Before I received the diagnosis of a brain tumour? What would my diary entry have been that night? I'll never …

Brain Tumour Awareness and Balance – Mine was Perfect

I was a figure skater with perfect balance. However, a symptom of a brain tumour is unsteadiness. It's Brain Tumour Awareness Week. Where we attempt to erase the stigma, educate the public, and so forth. The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada wants the public to be aware of the above eight signs. But my symptoms? I …

My Second Brain Surgery – What Really Happened in Step-Down

December 14, 1993. Twenty-five years since my second brain surgery. It's been a semi-emotional day. I even cried into my coffee. No, it didn't enhance the flavour. I like to find humour in unpleasant situations. I pondered, and I chose step-down. Because, what the heck is step-down? And what happened? My first brain surgery on …

Bathroom Scales Don’t Determine Your Self-Esteem and Confidence – The Long Climb Back

September 10, 2017. That was the day I told my ex-husband our sixteen year marriage was over. One year later, this is the number on my scale. But it's just a number. I'd gained weight in Edmonton, and I had a closet full of television clothes. When I unceremoniously returned to Manitoba, I'd inch into …

A Brain Tumour Anniversary – Marking With A Post And Memoir

Every year I mark the anniversary of my brain tumour surgeries. This year, I wanted to go beyond the usual Facebook post of "Today, December 14, is 'X' years since my second brain surgery," and insert mildly humorous antidote here. I tried to write a quirky letter to my second brain tumour. Then I attempted …

A Few Things About Me – I Hope I Chose The Right Jam

It’s a shame to never allow others to understand you as a person. Letting people form their own opinions of you based on assumptions and rumours just plain hurts. For me, I'll clear up some misconceptions. I’m not a snob; I’m shy around unfamiliar people. I’m not a b***h; I’m passionate. So, here’s me in …

A Letter to Myself the Day Before I Turn 15 Years Old – Be Grateful You Have Thick Hair and Great Friends

Dear Almost 15-year-old Tammy, I want you to read this the day before turning 15 years old. In front of the tube TV. Munching on a bag of Orville Redenbacher Caramel popcorn. Probably watching "90210.” The Arborg Skating Club’s competition wrapped up. You won two medals. Enjoy them. Because you won’t compete for awhile. Spoiler …