My Story
Gail Rider
There have been no brain tumors in the family medical history. My Dad had a melanoma and
my Mom had lung and colon cancer. I had a history of headaches for 30
years, only a few serious ones. In late November, 2004 I had a headache
for 2 weeks and I couldn't control, so I went to emergency for treatment
and they did a cat scan and MRI and found the tumor. I had no other
symptoms; no balance or neurological problems to indicate a tumor.
My tumor started in the fourth ventricle, extended into the
cerebellum and down the brain stem just past C 1. It is a grade 2 ependymoma.
I had surgery on 12.7.04 at UCSF. They removed
all but a small portion on the brain stem, which has to be eliminated by
radiation. I started radiation treatment on March 17, 2005 using the
program called Intensity Modulated Radio Therapy. I will have 27
treatments for a total of 5400 rads. Since there is a reoccurrence factor,
they are radiating just beyond the tumor to target any residual cells.
The primary tumor was the size of a lemon; it is now pea
size. My last MRI was March, 2005; it was used as a reference to set up
the radiation program.
My right side was affected. I had weakness in my
right leg but with therapy have regained more than 95%. I have some
balance problems, nothing dramatic; I'm doing physical therapy to
stabilize. My right arm was the most affected. It is numb from the
shoulder to the finger tips. I have gained mobility and can write and
function well; I am even driving. I do daily physical therapy to gain
strength in muscles. I am told that my sensory nerves have been damaged
and it could take up to a year to regain.
It has been 3 months since surgery. I am back full time
at work. My stamina is at 75%; I usually need a nap in late afternoon. I
am told that the radiation may affect my energy level.
I have experienced hair loss at about 2 months from surgery and it still
continues. Doctors tell me it could be the result of anesthetics, the
surgery or high or low thyroid.