Maryjane's Story

After working out one day, I noticed some numbness on the right side of my face. The following day it worsened and my concern sent me to my family doctor. An MRI was immediately ordered and a tumor was discovered.   That was September 9, 2008. My case was referred to the Mayfield Clinic and Dr. John Tew. I was diagnosed with a benign meningioma, but it became a more difficult tumor than usual because of its size, location and odd shape. After four surgeries over the next year and radiation treatments in between, I am left with only numbness on the right side of my face. This is nothing compared to what some people have to live with, tumor or no tumor. I cried that September day, but haven't cried since. Humor and the support of my family and friends have helped me through all of this, and I count my blessings every day. The tumor cannot be completely removed because of its location, so my story continues later this year with a followup MRI. I have a great medical team -- Dr. Tew, Dr. John Breneman and Dr. Ronald Warnick. I trust them and know they are looking out for my best interests. I can't say enough about the care I have received from the doctors and nurses at the Mayfield Clinic and the UC Brain Tumor Center. Thanks to them, I am back to enjoying a full life, part of which is working out, which helps me keep up with my 3-year-old grandson. Last year at this time I was preparing for my fourth surgery; today I am preparing to Walk Ahead for a Cure.