Hi, for those who dont know me, my name is Tiffany, and im a retired social worker. A year and a half ago, doctors, by chance, found a small tumor on my brainstem. They said its called a meningioma. A benign tumor at the moment, but inoperable due to its location. My neurosurgeon said lets watch and wait as it wasn't big and not currently causing any problems. I say ok, not really sure how to feel. I wasn't experiencing symptoms but was still freaked out, ya know? Fast forward 16 months and i finally get around to getting another MRI of my brain to check on the growth, if any, of the meningioma. I go in to see the neurosurgeon and he starts talking about the tumor, I'm lost, and all i hear is it is not in a place where i can surgically remove it, so I want you to see a radiation oncologist. So i meet with the radiation oncologist and she informs me i need 27 rounds of targeted radiation to help slow the growth of the tumor, as if it got any bigger and pinches the nerves in my brainstem, it could cause all kinds of problems. I am already, now, suffering from blurry vision, daily headaches, and unsteadyness on my feet, especially walking. The radiation will not shrink the tumor but will slow its growth. I dont know what could happen if it gets too big. I was fitted this past week for the head piece i need to wear during treatment to ensure the radiation hits the same spot every day. I will be going Monday through Friday for a little over 5 weeks. During that time, I am not allowed to drive or go to work. Doctor says i am likely to feel very tired. Problem is, life goes on regardless of me getting radiation therapy or not. Im going to be out almost 6 weeks worth of income and increasing my expenses by paying for extra gas, at 4 bucks a gallon now, to drive 45 mins each way. I dont know how i am going to do it. I hate to even think of asking for help, but lord knows i need it right now. I need help with food and gas, medical bills my insurance doesnt cover for the radiation therapy, and my utilities. I start therapy Wednesday 8/23/2023 at the very earliest and should finish the end of September some time. I thank you for taking the time to read this and consider donating to my radiation relief fund.
Sincerely and Greatfully,
Tiffany Bates
