Martha Hood Martha Hood

After suffering from repeated severe sinus and ear infections and pain, eye strain, headaches, and continuous fatigue, I was referred to a ENT specialist, Dr. Kim, here in Fairbanks, on November 15, 2017.  Dr. Kim ordered a CT Scan, and then a MRI, after the initial office screening revealed a 5.7 X 4.1 x 3.1 centimeter mass in my forehead/sinuses. The tumor is pressing on my frontal lobe, pushing against my left eye, and has created an intracranial breech. Dr. Kim referred me to a  surgeon in Seattle, who has since brought in two additional specialist surgeons. I am scheduled for a craniotomy at Virginia Mason in Seattle on January 25, 2018, with all three surgeons and their teams. Obviously I'm very scared, yet hopeful that after healing from surgery I will be healthy once again. 

The positive news is that it is not cancer. The disappointing news is I have been pulled from the pool out of concern of infection, including meningitis, and will not be able to swim for several months after surgery. I know the word devastated is a strong word, however I am devastated to not be training and competing as a UAF Nanook Swimmer along side my teammates. Not having my senior season to meet my athletic goals in conjunction with my academic goals is difficult to process and accept.

My intention is to remain enrolled at UAF and to complete the Spring 2018 academic semester. I will miss two weeks of class, however I have confidence I will be able to catch up, complete my course requirements, and graduate on schedule in May. 

While this is not the path I had planned on, I am up for the challenge of taking a different path to attain my goals. I am grateful for my team, coaches, friends, professors, mentors, and my family for helping me through this. 

Please know I do not need any support other than positive thoughts, and this site is only for communicating in a easy and one stop format.