On Friday, July 11 of last year, I scheduled my brain surgery for October 15th of that year.
I had my initial consultation with the neurosurgeon on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. There I presented my argument to get the meningioma out of my brain before it grew any bigger and started to cause problems. The surgeon read over my written argument, looked up after reading it, and said let’s get this thing out!
(Link to all the brain grape posts)
I was pretty stunned that I had successfully convinced a doctor to believe me and see my perspective, and then do something I had requested. In the context of my lifetime history of interactions with the medical profession, it was unusual that someone respected me enough to pay attention to my needs and be happy to meet them. No arguments, no gaslighting, no distracting from what I was saying to give their own interpretation.
I presented a written argument. He read and was convinced by it, and then proceeded to explain what the craniotomy would involve.
As stressful as that time was, I was and still am incredibly grateful to have been believed and to have had my concerns honored and validated.
And I know that tomorrow (July 11) is technically one year from July 11 last year, but it feels more meaningful to mark the anniversary on the day of the week when I remember making that phone call to the surgeon’s office to select my surgery date.
I’m including this song with this post because this song popped into my head when I got the call in late June 2025 to schedule the appointment with the neurosurgeon.
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (Bright), bright (Bright)
Sun-shiny day”
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