Thursday, March 10, 2011

Welcome!

My name is Tiffany and I was diagnosed with a brain tumor almost 10 years ago. I have recently been interviewed by Ray Leonard on Ordinary People, Extraordinary Planet where I told my story. I have now created a blog to give further updates and hopefully create a place where people affected by cancer can tell their own stories. I am more than happy to answer any questions about things that have happened in my life.  
Here is a bit of my backstory:
I was 22 years old when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was the spring break of my senior year of college. I had to drop out of school and begin treatment. Over the past ten years, I have had surgery, radiation, gamma knife, and chemotherapy.  The past eight months have involved more intense treatment since the cancer cells moved to my spinal fluid and created a lesion on my spinal cord. I have had radiation to my spine and chemotherapy for both the original tumor and cancer cells in my spinal fluid. I also had a chest port put in, as well as a port that went into my brain. The head port had to be removed since a cyst developed near it and caused me to have double vision and seizures. Thankfully, those symptoms have gone away since the port was removed. Right now, I am having chemotherapy for my spinal fluid where I have to be admitted to the hospital for four days. I have one more to go, and then we’ll see if it worked to decide further treatment.
Good things have also happened over the past 10 years! I was able to finish my undergraduate education. I received my masters in occupational therapy and was able to work in my field. I enjoy being with my friends and family, who are so supportive that it has made these ten years easier. I also know that God is in control of my life and is bigger than this disease. I have faith that all things work together for good, even if I don’t understand it right now. I am unsure what the future holds, but I try to live a day at a day and enjoy my life.

6 comments:

  1. Tiffany, You are the best!!! I am proud to call you friend and also I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to interview you for my radio program :)

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  2. Tiff, it's Kim "Ford" Cox (your old neighbor) i just needed to take a moment to tell you that you are truly an inspiration! Thank you so much for opening yourself up and allow us to follow you on your journey and pray for you. We have followed your progress through friends and word of mouth but it't awesome to be able to hear it from you :). Cancer may have tried to slow you down a time or two but it's great to see that it hasn't touched your faith and your whitty sense of humor. God does have a plan and it's everything that you're doing for people that you are unaware of. Take care Tiff and know that we are praying for you! Love the Cox and Ford families!

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  3. Tiffany,
    Your courage and endurance are a testimony of your faith. I pray God will continue to help you fight this terrible disease with even more grace and more strength than He has given you up to now. Know that our family is praying for you and also for your mom,dad, and Amanda. Your mom is very dear to us as are the rest of your family.

    Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
    the LORD blesses his people with peace.

    May God continue to bless you with peace as you wait on Him.
    Love,


    Iliana Nicholas
    (your mom's friend from LCS)

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  4. Your strength and faith is truely inspiring!!!
    Keep up the work on your blog. Places like this are so meaninful to others facing their own battles.
    God Bless
    John Harkness

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  5. Tiffany, I have not had the pleasure of meeting you but have heard many stories of you and your journey from John Harkness-a man that I hold very dear. You are truly an inspiration- in your positive attitude and your strength-and now in sharing your story for others facing their own battles with this disease.

    May you find a gift in every day--Gretchen wolf

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  6. Tiffany,
    I'm not sure you remember me, but this is Jenny Brennan. (hi!)Kelly's mom shared your blog with me the other day and I have just finished reading through it. I have never known someone who could handle illness with such grace and humor. I admire your strength so much! I've been praying for you since I learned of your diagnosis-i don't understand why God puts certain people through such difficult times, but I know He will take care of you. I hope all is wel and here's to a healthy and happy year!

    God Bless,
    Jenny Brennan-Cowgill

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