June, 2009, I'm living in a very small, claustrophobic casita in the ultra-conservative Utah neighborhood called Ivins, in southern-Utah, near Zion National Park. I begin to get pressure headaches that won't go away. So I go to the local pain clinic where I expect them to prescribe a pill and send me on my way. Instead, they order an MRI and the results come back that I have a small tumor in my brain.
The Doctor advises brain surgery to remove the tumor, and I respond by saying "You want to do what? You want to cut a hole in my head and remove part of my brain? No way. I'm having nothing to do with that"
And then I proceeded to give my two weeks notice on my rental unit, sell most of my belongings, and move back to California to stay with my Mom for a while.
I join Kaiser, and the Kaiser docs all recommend brain surgery too. I resist. And I argue. And for three years the doctors and I have some very intense conversations about the pros and cons of having brain surgery. Then, after meeting with an oncologist who basically told me I was going to die if I didn't do anything, I scheduled my brain surgery for August 29. 2012.
And I had the surgery, and I experienced a rapid recovery and an immediate sense of relief. Within a couple of months I was living independently again and driving myself around.
My emotional support system during this time was my spiritual community at Unity Church of Roseville, CA with a strong supporter in the Senior Minister there, and I kept my spirits up by attending live music performances in the local area and on weekend road trips out of town. I found strength and peace in meditation and in attending regular sessions with my psychiatrist, psychologist, group sessions with my peer group, etc.
I was most surprised by the response from other people after I had the surgery. Some very strong and supportive people came into my life at this time and remain close friends to this day. Some people who I considered to be lifelong close friends could not deal with it and broke off our friendship. So this time was marked by great support and betrayal at the same time.
Now, twenty-two months later, my regular MRI scans indicate no sign of disease or regrowth or enhancement in any area. I went back to work full time on January 28, 2014. I've moved into a nice house, got a great dog, am basically loving life. I'm planning on attending a four day live music festival the fourth of July weekend. I just got a brand new guitar and amplifier. I'm planning a trip to Hawaii. Life is good.