Leaning Into Joy: Life After a Hemangioblastoma

An Unexpected Path to Healing

When I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, my mind immediately went to the worst-case scenario. At 26 years old, I assumed that my life was ending.

Thankfully, that was not the case. When we met with the neurosurgeon, he explained that surgery was unlikely to cause serious complications and that my tumor was most likely benign. I was shocked! I had assumed that a brain tumor meant only one thing, and it was never a good outcome.

I will be the first to admit that brain surgery was not an easy chapter to walk through, and the early weeks of recovery were incredibly difficult. However, freedom from the symptoms of a brain tumor is extraordinary!

Coming Back to Myself

When I woke up from surgery, I happily told my family that “I did not get butchered” and that my “lobotomy was a success.” Turns out, my sense of humor was perfectly intact. Soon thereafter, Pathology reports relayed the news that my tumor was a benign hemangioblastoma.

All of the “what-ifs” and fears that swirled in my head before surgery were replaced with beautiful outcomes. My hearing significantly improved. My peripheral vision returned. Unexplained symptoms like stress-induced fevers, difficulty sensing temperature, brain fog, and loss of smell were reversed. Turns out removing a brain tumor was a game changer!

A New Lens on Life

This experience changed the lens through which I see everything. My values shifted, and I am more intentional about living purposefully.

Here are my mantras after surviving a brain tumor:

• Lean into what brings you joy

• Spend time with people you love

• Make a difference in this world

My story is a reminder that even the hardest chapters can lead to something beautiful!