Age 14: Brain Tumor #1

It all began when I started having terrible headaches... Not too surprising considering that my particular tumor was located in my brain. The left frontal lobe to be precise. I started having these headaches on a pretty regular basis. Then I started having headaches that led into severe vomiting, but ONLY after I hit my head.

Case in Point: So at the age of 14 I decided that I wanted to be on the high school color guard. So I tried out, made the team, and had a lot of fun. Well, one day before a performance (which included the marching band) I decided to show-off for one stupendous looking band (ahem) boy who played the tuba. (Don't say it! I know what you are thinking!) And while I was showing off my skills (girls have to have skills too fellas) I tossed my flag into the air simultaneously checking out the sexy tuba boy.

Needless to say, I was paying more attention to the tuba player than to where my flag was moving in the air which proved to be a big mistake. My flag crashed directly into face. Actually, the bridge of my nose broke the flag's fall (I was staring at it as it came down... still don't know why I didn't move out from under it) and then it banged into my forehead. I collapsed to the ground, stunned by the astonishing impact of a 6-foot pole. And guess who was watching? That's right. Tuba boy.

I peeled myself off the asphalt, and tenderly examined my nose for signs of brokenness. There were none so I glanced quickly over at Tuba boy. He and the entire drum line were laughing so hard, they had tears coming to their eyes. Completely humiliated I waved, then flourished a dramatic bow. Things didn't ever end up working out with me and tuba boy...

While I appeared to be all right physically on the outside with my spinning flag mishap, on the inside my brain was going into shock. In the early hours of the morning, shortly after midnight I had what can only be described as a migraine. This was followed a few hours later by violent vomiting. So naturally I had one of three things:
1) I had a concussion.
2) I had the flu.
3) I was pregnant and experiencing the worst morning sickness imaginable.

I ruled out being pregnant pretty much immediately. I didn't remember anything that would have led up to that sort of thing, and let's face it, I was sort of a nerd. Cute, but still a nerd. Interested in boys, but still a nerd. I hadn't even kissed a boy!

I then considered the possibility that I had a concussion. And while yesterday's events had been less than exhilarating no real damage had been done. I hadn't broken my nose, didn't have marks of any kind what-so-ever on my face, and my psycho flag twirling incident had really only bruised my pride.

Therefore, my only logical explanation to the headache and severe vomiting was the flu. As soon as 5am rolled around I stumbled into my parents bedroom and announced that I had the flu. My mom woke up immediately and began shouting "who's there! who's there!" My mom has very poor vision. She'll admit it too. Pretty much without contacts or glasses she can't see a thing. My dad rolled over and accidentally elbowed my mom right in the face as he was trying to figure out why my mom had suddenly started shouting. I started laughing in spite of the fact that I felt so sick. My parents, however, didn't understand why I was laughing at 5am in the morning in their bedroom. I quickly explained that I had the flu. My mom got up and started feeling around for her glasses. After feeling my forehead, she told me I didn't have a fever but that it was probably a good idea for me to stay home from school.

We didn't realize then what the future had in store for me.

My Life's Experiences... in a nut shell

I am a 23-year-old gal with an amazing husband and two sweet puppies! I experienced brain tumors at the ages of 14, 16, and 18 which taught me some great life lessons. I have my Bachelor's degree in Human Development (fascinating area of study for those who are interested) with a minor in Music. And throughout my life, I have had some pretty dang funny experiences, and I know some incredibly funny stories... which is basically what my blog will be about. My life, my experiences, and some of the most humorous things that have ever happened to me.