My Journey with a Spinal Cord Tumor

Sorry I've been MIA for a few months! It is finally warming up in Toronto, and I've been itching to get out for a run! I think today may just be the day I get these numb legs of mine moving! * side note - I really need these leggings ;)

Today I reflect back to what I went through 2 years ago - the day I had my tumor removed. For the past 2 years, due to some nerve damage, I've been living with numbness in my left leg ( similar to the feeling you get when your foot falls asleep), a shock in my left big toe every 30 sec. and pain in my shoulder/neck that comes and goes on a regular basis. After my surgery I was told that, if these feelings don't go away within 2 years, they most likely will never go away. This... is officially now, my new normal. I am grateful for the strength I have, to get me through each and every day living with these weird sensations. I am so thankful for the love and support I continue to get from friends and family, I could not have survived the past 2 years without them. It sounds so cliche, but, because of this unexplainable circumstance, I now try my best to live each and everyday as if it were my last; documenting and celebrating the little things in everyday life, that otherwise may have been overlooked. -Eileen "Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we react to it" -Dennis P. Kimbro

The CERN Foundation Ependymoma Awareness Day butterfly release. #CERNbutterfly

We have designated May 2, 2016, as Ependymoma Awareness Day! Find out how you can get involved and download our Awareness Day kit. -> bit.ly/1oq1Jzm.

Let's takeover Facebook! Share this image to spread more awareness of ependymoma, a rare brain and spinal cord tumor that occurs in both children and adults. #CERNbutterfly http://bit.ly/1oq1Jzm

Help this little Ependymoma fighter meet ellen!

Very Inspiring!

Merry Christmas! Wishing everyone a safe and happy day! Here's to a new year and new milestones!

Results are in - Tumor Free!!

I had my 1year post-op MRI yesterday. I couldn't help but shed a few tears while I was waiting my turn to be put in the huge machine. I have come so far since my surgery, and to think of a tumor recurrence is a nightmare. Positive vibes for a clean scan.

My heart is breaking today after finding out about a tragic accident that happened yesterday. Jennifer Neville-Lake lost her 3 children and her father in a car crash due to an impaired driver. Jennifer went to the same elementary school as I did and she was in the same grade as one of my older sisters. Though Jennifer and I don't really know each other that well, she was very supportive of me during the time that I had my surgery; she took the time send me a very encouraging customized gift. I can not begin to imagine the pain and suffering that her and her husband are feeling right now. Please support this family and visit the 'Go fund me' page that has been set up for them. https://www.gofundme.com/pp544vvc

Yesterday I celebrated my one year post-op. It definitely hasn't been the easiest year adjusting to my new body, (especially in the winter months) but I'm so fortunate as to how far I have come in just one year. I wish I could say I've made a full recovery, but I haven't :(. I still have some deficits from the surgery - some of these include: the numbness/tight feeling in my left leg and foot, the shock I get in my left big toe every 30 sec., the fact that my left leg can't r...egulate temperature properly, I occasionally get a burning cold sensation in my left hand and some numbness in my finger tips, my balance and my proprioception is slightly 'off', and the left side of my neck and shoulder gets really sore more often than not, just to name a few. I don't take any pain/neuro meds for any of these symptoms with the acception of some Tylenol here and there ( which will take the edge off when the pain in my neck gets really bad). I am drinking wheatgrass juice almost everyday which I think has helped my body tremendously! I've definitely adapted to all of these news weird feelings and sensations, and have learned so many life lessons out of all that I have been through. But some days I do feel envious of others who are fortunate enough to have a "regular" body. About 3 months ago I started running again, it was SO hard. It felt like I was running in sand with weights on both of my legs, I really didn't think I'd be able to have running as my 'thing' again. But I didn't give up. Yesterday on my one year sugiversary I went for my farthest run yet ( since I started running again), and I will continue to push myself down this path of recovery, and will continue to try to live life each day to its full potential. I'm looking forward to seeing how far I'll be able to run in a year from now! -Eileen

My hubby ( who happens to be celebrating his birthday today) set this up at his office today! #CERNbutterfly

Today is Ependymoma Awareness Day. Share a butterfly if you can to help raise awareness. #CERNbutterfly to learn more visit https://cern-foundation.org/ (photo:my son C and I giving each other "knuckles")

I was honoured when contacted by the OMA asking me if they could get a quote from me thanking my doctor who ultimately saved me from becoming paralyzed or even more so, for saving my life . Today I say thank you to the incredibly skilled surgeon Dr. Massicotte who removed the nasty Tumor from my cervical spine. Also, a huge thank you to the emergency room doctor at Mackenzie Health Hospital who took my case very seriously when I came in after my youngest son yanked on my hair. Say thanks to your doc! Follow the link below and see how your thank you can result in a $1 donation to the Canadian Red Cross society! #docsrock https://www.oma.org//PressReleases/Pages/SaythanksToYourDo

To all of those who have had "long days" without a loved one or friend, especially those who have lost someone to Ependymoma, this song is for you. music by Charlie Puth "See You Again" http://youtu.be/FWV0jpndYbY

Before my surgery my lovely friend Amy gave me this T-Shirt. I wear it around the house ALL.THE.TIME. It makes me feel like a tough chick ;) You see, my friend Amy, well... she also has this T-shirt. Amy was diagnosed with an Epidermoid Tumor about 8 years ago and has taken on the "wait and watch" approach ever since. Unfortunately in the last year and a half her tumor has grown and taken on a new shape. Because of the tumors new size and shape surgery was recommended. Amy ...has made the tough decision that she knew she would one day have to make and has decided to go forth with surgery. On April 24th Amy will undergo Brain surgery at The Toronto Western Hospital, which is the same hospital where I had my surgery ( different surgeons, though I'm sure they are pals). I am asking you all to please keep Amy in your prayers and please send many positive thoughts to her and her family. Go check out her inspiring blog and send her some love! http://amyandthetumor.blogspot.ca/ Thank You. -Eileen