Donna’s Story

Site created on September 5, 2019

On 8/15/19, I was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor… Trigeminal Schwannoma. On 10/3/19, I had my first surgery and the tumor was determined to be a Clear Cell Grade 2 Meningioma. The first doctor didn’t take much of the tumor so I had a second (2/7/2020) and then a third (3/2/2020) surgery with another team of doctors, all within 5 months, to remove more tumor. The third surgery successfully removed a lot more  tumor.  However,  residual remained and 33 rounds of proton radiation treatment followed.  Recovery definitely has not been without challenges. This is my journey.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Donna Miller

Hi All!

Yesterday, I had my 6 months MRI checkup. It’s now been 3 years since finishing up radiation.  Can you believe it’s been that long ago? Great news. Remaining tumor continues to be stable!!  

My radiation oncologist is pleased all is calm and remains positive things will continue to stay calm. There are no guarantees but she said if there is regrowth and/or cells escaped and new tumors grow, they typically see regrowth by now. Obviously, no guarantees and the true target date for the most postive outcome is 5 years.  

When I make it to year 5, I can start once a year MRIs and then after 10 years, every 2 years. She admitted a lot of patients stop follow-up MRIs after 10 years. They move on and don’t look back. I may be that person. 😊

Hope all is well with you, your families and friends!!  I will check back in year 5.  

💗 Donna 




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