The Waiting Game: Exploring the Tumor in May 2016

May 2016 was a month filled with twists and turns in my health journey, where I found myself navigating through scans, tests, and painful procedures. What started as an MRI at Memorial ER led to a transfer to Ochsner in New Orleans and eventually a biopsy that changed the course of my treatment. This post captures my experience as I endured the waiting game, faced uncertainties, and reflected on the strength I found through my faith.

The MRI and Transfer to Ochsner

May 7th, 2016: The MRI at Memorial ER
It all started when Dr. Melger called me to Memorial ER for an MRI. Hours ticked by as I sat anxiously in the waiting room, only to be told that Memorial couldn’t perform the surgery I needed. Instead, I was to be transferred to Ochsner in New Orleans for further treatment. I spent the rest of that day waiting for an ambulance, eager to get answers but stuck in the slow-moving system of healthcare.

Arrival at Ochsner
The Emergency Room at Ochsner was jam-packed. I spent most of the night in a hallway on a gurney, disoriented and unable to see clearly due to my vision problems. My grandma was with me, and we passed the time making jokes about the number of handsome doctors walking by. Humor was the only thing keeping me sane as the hours dragged on. It wasn’t until late that night that I was finally moved to a room upstairs.

The Inpatient Experience and Diagnostic Procedures

Getting Settled in the Hospital
Once I got to my room, things moved quickly. Blood draws, machines, tests—you name it, I had it. The next morning, I felt like I saw every doctor in the hospital. For three days straight, I was part of countless studies as doctors worked together to figure out what was going on with my tumor.

Biopsy and Spinal Tap: May 11th, 2016
On May 11th, I went in for a 3D MRI and biopsy. While I was under anesthesia, they also performed a spinal tap, collecting tissue and fluid samples to send to the Mayo Clinic and a research facility in Virginia. Waking up from that surgery was rough. I experienced severe pain in my left leg and numbness in my right, which I later learned was nerve pain, or neuropathy. My body felt like it had been through a war zone, but there was nothing to do except wait for the results.

The Waiting Game and Personal Reflections

Released from the Hospital: May 14th, 2016
I was released on May 14th, but life didn’t return to normal. My back pain and migraines were intense, and I was prescribed pain meds to help manage it all. But the real battle wasn’t physical—it was the emotional waiting. I had an appointment scheduled for May 24th to hear the biopsy results. That meant 10 days of pure anxiety, wondering what the doctors would find.

Journal Entries from May 2016
During that time, I turned to my faith. Here are a couple of reflections from my journal:

Conversation with God:
“The past few weeks I’ve felt You holding me and walking with Your hand in mine. You wipe away my tears and have shown me love and kindness. I was thinking about living a ‘normal’ life, but now things have changed. I’m clearing out the clutter and spending more time with loved ones. I’m humbled by Your love, Lord, and grateful for all those who have prayed and supported me.”

Appointment Reflections:
“Results from the tests come today, but I’m not fearful. I trust that this is all part of the greater plan You have for me, and I know You will guide me through whatever comes next.”

The Appointment and Treatment Plan

May 24th, 2016: The Results Are In
The day finally came. With my grandma and mother by my side, we sat down to hear the results. Relief washed over me when I heard the words: “benign” but “atypical.” The tumor wasn’t cancer, but it was still something we had to address. The doctors explained it was caused by inflammation, and the treatment plan involved starting steroids, specifically Prednisone.

Treatment Challenges
Even though the tumor wasn’t malignant, the road ahead wasn’t smooth. I was prescribed Prednisone to manage the inflammation, but over the following weeks, my headaches worsened and my vision didn’t improve as quickly as I had hoped. It was frustrating to feel like I was stuck in limbo, but I kept moving forward.

Conclusion

The events of May 2016 tested me in every possible way, but they also strengthened my resolve. While this month brought pain, uncertainty, and endless waiting, it also brought answers and a treatment plan. Thank you for following along on this journey with me. As I continue to navigate life with a brain tumor, I’ll keep sharing updates and reflections. If you have any questions or thoughts, please drop them in the comments below!