Still figuring it all out

Just a few quick thoughts…

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. I had no idea that was even a thing… until I was the one with a brain tumor. So you might notice some posts on my social media about “Grey in May.” Something that once felt random and unimaginable is now just… part of my reality.

Meningioma was a word I had never heard until earlier this year. And honestly? It’s a long, intimidating word. The “-oma” at the end is enough to make your heart drop a little, since we usually associate it with cancer.

The good news: most meningiomas are not cancerous. They are actually the most common type of brain tumor.

But… just because they’re typically benign does not mean it’s no big deal.

They’re graded in a way that’s similar to cancer staging:

• Grade 1 is the best-case scenario — slow growing and the most common

• Grade 2 is considered mid-grade, with a higher chance of recurrence

• Grade 3 is fast growing and can be classified as cancerous

So while “benign” sounds comforting, there’s still a lot to consider.

With all of that said, this week is my 6-week follow-up with my neurosurgeon. This is the appointment where I’ll learn more about my tumor’s pathology. He’s already mentioned it’s likely Grade 2, and radiation was briefly brought up at my last visit… so I’m mentally preparing for that to be part of the plan.

How likely? How soon? That’s what we’ll be figuring out this week.

And depending on those answers, my return to the salon could shift again as of Wednesday afternoon.

My physical therapist will also have a say in when I go back to work. I’m going to try to get her thoughts at my appointment tomorrow. What I can tell you is this: I have come SO far… and I still have a ways to go.

I’m still using a cane — mostly when I’m out of the house. But realistically, trying to juggle a cane, scissors, and a comb? Yeah… that’s a no for now 😅

As much as I’m (REALLLLLY) over being stuck at home, I also know rushing it isn’t the move.

I promise to update you all as soon as I can after this week’s appointments. I’m already working on what my schedule might look like when I return — and it’s definitely not going to look like it used to. Hopefully that’s temporary… but we’ll take it as it comes.

It may mean some help from Meredith, and it may mean some different days or times than you’re used to. But I promise I’ll be doing everything I can to accommodate as many of you as possible — while still keeping my own wellbeing a priority.

Fingers crossed for good news this week 🤞