brain-surgery
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My Acoustic Neuroma Balance Journey
Balance can be one of the most difficult struggles when you have an Acoustic Neuroma diagnosis. From clumsy teen to wobbly post surgery patient to aerial yoga enthusiast, this is my balance story. Continue reading
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Alcohol After Brain Surgery
The experience of imbibing alcohol after brain surgery can be different or very similar to life before the surgery. While many people can easily enjoy alcohol, others struggle with headaches, tinnitus, and dehydration. How does alcohol feel in your life? Continue reading
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Life with Pain
I have really found that my relationship to pain is that pain diminishes me. It takes a large chunk out of my capacity to do life. Pain eats up my energy. It slows me and dims my internal light. Continue reading
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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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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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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
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Choosing Your Doctor for Acoustic Neuroma Treatment
While doctors are wonderful resources and extremely knowledgeable, you may not get connected to the perfect doctor for your diagnosis on the first try. It is super important to do your due diligence to choose the correct physician to treat you. It is not a situation where you want to go with good enough- it… Continue reading
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Neck Pain After Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
Many people struggle with neck pain and neck issues following their brain surgery. Important muscles can be cut in surgery, and your body is held in a strange position for an extended time while you are undergoing the procedure. Sometimes, it is just a brief struggle immediately following surgery. Other times, it can be an… 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 