acoustic neuroma
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Brain Surgery and Hair
There are a ton of challenges after brain surgery, and worrying your appearance isn’t “you” just makes everything harder. So let’s talk about brain surgery and hair. Continue reading
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Living in the Dichotomy of Doing Well but Also Things are Hard
I have frequently had the disconnect of doing well but also being in a really difficult place, all at the same time. It was very surreal to find out I had a brain tumor when I felt fine and the only symptom I was really experiencing was hearing loss. Continue reading
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Scanxiety
It is totally normal to feel heightened anxiety around a scan. Everyone worries a scan may mean getting bad news. I have a tool belt for getting through scan anxiety. I’d love to hear how you navigate that stress. Continue reading
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Getting Through the Hard Days
These are some of my favorite coping mechanisms to power through the challenging days. What are some tools you have found to help you manage tough moments? Continue reading
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Brain Surgery and Fat Grafts
It seems weird that a brain surgery would necessitate an abdominal incision, but that is often the case. Fat grafts are commonly used in Acoustic Neuroma surgeries and often under explained. Continue reading
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Acoustic Neuroma and Driving
Do you struggle with driving? Many people report that they find driving more fatiguing after an AN diagnosis. Some folks find turning their head quickly to be disorienting. At times, the auditory stimulation from driving is overwhelming. Continue reading
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Disability Pride Month- Feelings About Labeling
I choose to call myself a person with a disability. To me, admitting I have a disability doesn’t make me less. In some ways, it feels somewhat freeing. Continue reading
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Informed Decisions, Better Outcomes: ANAwareness Week and World Vestibular Schwannoma Day
The Acoustic Neuroma Association is doing all sorts of great presentations and webinars this week to celebrate World Vestibular Schwannoma Day. I love this year’s theme: informed decisions, better outcomes. In my experience supporting others with Acoustic Neuromas, as well as my own journey, I have really seen the benefit of informed decisions. Continue reading
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Book Recommendations for Acoustic Neuroma Warriors
I do so love a good book. I am going to share a compiled list of book recommendations. The ones I have read, touched me deeply and helped me on my journey. Continue reading
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The Dreaded Question: How Are You Doing?
While I really appreciate my close friends and family checking in with me, I often feel exhausted by the small talk conversation of “How are you doing?” It seems odd to me that usually the only socially acceptable answer is “fine.” Why do we bother to ask the question at all if the only answer… Continue reading
About Me
Emily was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 27 and decided to make that experience worthwhile by paying it forward to other brain tumor warriors. She is passionate about supporting people and advocating for hearing assistance around motherhood and running a family business.
The "Lucky" Brain Tumor 