by Danielle
On April 21, 2004, I was diagnosed with a maligmant brain tumor called an Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma. I was only 19 and had my whole life ahead of me. It came to a quick stop when I found out. I was scared; I honestly thought I was dying. Although my doctors never gave me a timeline, I felt I was stripped of my adulthood. Only a year out of high school and I'm dying. I did 27 treatments of radiation and 10 months of chemo. And the entire time I was also taking steriods. I gained 40 pounds in 2 months, lost a lot of my hair, and became depressed. But I fought for my life! I even decided to work a few hours a week to get some normalcy in my life. Seven years later I am now in remission! The tumor is still there, just not growing. I see my doctors every six months along with MRIs. I know that at any moment it can turn on me,but I try to live my life to the fullest. Last year I married my best friend and continue to enjoy the time we have together. I thank him and my parents for helping me through my recovery!
