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On May 3rd 2007 I found out I had a brain tumour in my brain stem. It was doubtful if it could be operated on and it was likely to be malignant. I have never been so terrified in my life. I was 26 years old, had an excellent job, earnt a lot of money, went out with my friends lots and had my whole life ahead of me.

 

I met Mr Walsh on May 4th and he agreed to do the operation, albeit risky. I had no choice. I couldn't have the operation for at least 10 days as my head was so swollen. On May13th, 2007 I said goodbye to my parents and friends and off I went to have my head circular sawed open and dug around in. 9 hours later (4 hours longer than expected due to me having a brain haemorrhage, blood transfusion and shocked back to life!!!) I was alive (albeit with a smaller brain) and on a life support machine. Thankfully the tumour was benign. I didn't make the best recovery (every time I moved I threw up - mainly on Abbie and my poor Mum!!). I was let out 2 weeks later, only to be rushed back in by my Mum and Step Step Dad 5 days later semi conscious with meningitis.

 

Then at the end of August I had a mini stroke in Vomiting centre of brain stem (I didn't know such a place existed!!) and threw up constantly for 5 months!!!

 

The day before my 27th birthday I was told another tumour was growing but microscopic so don't worry!!

In October my neurologist told me and my parents I wouldn't make Christmas and I would slowly go blind, deaf, incontinent, paralysed etc - oh Joy I thought - what a lot to look forward to!!!

In Jan, 2008 I was told I  had to have the 2nd tumour operated on but there was only a 5% chance of survival. I decided to not have the operation and die with some dignity. I went back to work for a month and felt useful and needed again, rather than this waste of space causing grief to all around her.

By Feb I couldn't take it anymore, dying wasn't all it cracked up to be and so I gave in and said I'd have the 2nd op. I organised my funeral so my poor parents and best mates didn't have to. I contacted so if I ended up a vegetable I could be euthanased.

Feb 22nd, 2008 - I said goodbye to my Step Dad, step sister and best mates again. This time I really thought it would be the last time. My Step Dad said I love you for the 1st time ever (at which point I knew my cards were marked!!! ha ha).

The next morning I said goodbye to Mum and it was the most horrendous thing I have ever done. I tried to remember what she smelt like and tried to remember every cm of her face (I'm not sure how death works and if you can take those memories with you but it was worth a shot.) I wasn't scared of dying - I had already come to terms with it (especially when the funeral director rang me and asked me if I wanted to come for a fitting for my PINK coffin - I kindly declined!!)

6 hours later I woke up in resuss - MIRACULOUS. I spoke to Mum and Step Dad and knew who I was and could feel all my body. I had done it - thanks to Mr Walsh and all the new technology and research done by braintumouruk and other such charities.

In April 2008 I had another set back, another stroke. This time it left me unable to walk very well, and certainly not in a straight line - I looked pissed permanently!! I would walk into pubs and people would stare (my head leans to the right quite a lot as well) and say "oh God she's pissed already - disgraceful" that really hurt me.

Mum found a specialist stroke physio (Rashmi - who we call "our Angel") and through months of hard work, throwing up and me crying and throwing my toys out of the pram I learnt to walk better, talk better and hold my head straighter.

Now - in December 2009 - 2 years 7 months after my nightmare began, I am back at work (thanks to my new manager believing in me - not many people did I can tell you), have a boyfriend (Matt deserves a bloody medal I have to say!!) and living a "normal" life.

I do get more tired than 2 and a half years ago but I am really proud of myself and Mr Walsh (not to mention my Mum who gave up her life to be my 24hour nurse (and she really was 24 hour as I would be up in the night in agony a lot needing her) and my best mates who visited me nearly everyday - Abbie is the most notable and I have to thank her from the bottom of my heart. Debbie also spent most her life at my house cheering me up.) Without all my friends and family I couldn't have got through this - so THANK YOU!!!!!!!

 

I have decided to do a skydive as I am terrified of heights and claustrophobic/hate flying. So it won't be a walk in the park, I can tell you. I'll probably be more terrified than having the 2nd operation. SO because of this I want you all to give generously then I can't chicken out!! Your money will help more research into brain tumours (brain tumours have the least amount of money raised for them as they are so rare - so please dig deep) and help neuro surgeons like Mr Walsh learn and develop new techniques to save the lives of other patients like me. Without someone else doing what I am doing, I may not be here now writing my plea.

 

Now February 2010, I have been made redundant (after 4 months!! heartbroken about that) been in hospital again on New Year's Day!! Surprise, surprise - this time I had an ectopic pregnancy!! Yes I am a walking nightmare :S

 

BUT some GOOOOOODDDDD news - Matt has asked me to marry him - so I am going to have a Christmas wedding this year!!! I am soooooo excited - so there is some light at the end of the tunnel!!

 

March 23rd - I have done the skydive last Sunday - Oh my god it was horrific - I have never been so terrified in my life - I am scared of big planes, heights and have chlaustrophobia - so getting into a single propeller plane, crammed in with 12 other people at 13,000ft - I was in my element!!! NOT!! I have never been so pleased for someone to open a plane door at 13,000ft!! I somehow got out of the plane - think I fainted with fear - and the free fall at 180mph for 45 seconds was hell - I left my stomach and other insides thousands of feet above me - then the parachute opened and I loved it. Really serene, that was until we had to land - where I was likened to a swan - which had just been shot - ha ha ha. I landed and promptly fell flat on my face much to the amusement of Matt and the rest of my family and friends!!! But I did it and didn't chicken out. When I landed I burst into tears when I saw how proud everyone was of me - especially my Mum.

 

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR SPONSORING ME :)

Love Sarah xxxxx