by Cheryl

My prognosis was not good back in October 1997, but by choosing the treatments "I" felt were right for me - I am still here today. The first few months were the worst, but not overwhelming. I was on a horse when I had my seizure, and I broke my eighth thoracic vertebrae. After the surgery I had to wear a back brace for three months. My spirits were lifted by many cards, phone calls from far away friends, and visits from nearby friends. I have had so many wonderful people in my corner that I will always be grateful for. You know who you are! The love and support of my partner at the time also played a huge role in my survival.The fact that I could function quite normally with day-to-day activities also helped make me believe I was going to be OK.

I've experienced so many wonderful things in the past thirteen years, and like others who have also survived, I appreciate life on a daily basis. Here are my top three special events since my GBM diagnosis:

1) 1999: the basketball team I played on in the '70's & early '80's was honored with a special display at the grand opening of The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. It served as a reunion, too. It was great to see old teammates, friends, and coaches.

2) 2001: I was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall Of Fame in Michigan.

3) 2008: I went on my very first cruise and it was fabulous! The ship left from San Diego and travelled along the Mexican Coast with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerta Vallarta.

I just appriciate the simple day to day things. People just tell me I have always had a positive attitude, and I do believe very strongly in the mind/body connection! As a hobby, I love photographing nature. I make my own greeting cards from some of my photos. My message to others with a GBM diagnosis is to hang on to HOPE......There is no such thing as false hope as some doctors say...