Laura’s Story

Site created on February 13, 2020

The first time I was told I had cancer was 2009: after feeling my right cheek and my gums funny for a few times, I asked my GP who sent me for an MRI, the report didn't leave any space for interpretation, I had a lesion in my brain. It was April, by June I had seen two neurosurgeons, picked one and had surgery. Not even a month of recovery and, easy peasy, I was back to my life. I didn't understand why people kept telling me I was brave and a warrior, at the time it didn't feel scarier than having my appendix removed. 
Fast forward 9 years, my neuroncologis tells me that my bi-yearly MRI shows that the tumor is growing again.
This time it feels less like a cakewalk: I'm more scared, more stressed, I worry more.
I don't like the romanticizing of tumor: I didn't have any breakthrough after the first time, I didn't change my life, I wasn't more grateful for the things I had and the people in my life.
I DON'T NEED tumor to be grateful, and I don't feel brave or a warrior for facing it: I don't have another choice. 
Most of the times I feel like a boo-fucking-woo, honestly, having breakdowns for dealing with the health system and bureaucracy, getting scared for things I read online and so on.
I have an amazing partner and a magical family and so many friends who keep me in their thoughts, I'm lucky, but that's not the cancer's merit.
I decided to start a sharing platform a few months ago, using google groups, I'm now transitioning to Caring Bridge because:
- it allows for updates from other users, so Eric can write updates after my surgery
- it has a planner
- it makes it easier for you to comment
 
Note: you'll probably see banners asking for donation, that money doesn't go to me but to Caring Bridge

Newest Update

November 1, 2021 - A cruel October

Journal entry by Laura Gioia —

No worries, I'm fine.
My MRI in September came out clean again. Also, since the biopsy said it's still a Grade II, I don't have to go through chemo.
The anti-seizure meds were giving me depressive episodes, I would just feel like I couldn't handle anything and I would cry my heart out.
I had an EEG a month ago, it was fine, so I was given the green light to go off the meds.
So why the less than enthusiastic tone?
I'm grieving: one of my dearest friends passed away on Friday, she was 32, and my grandma yesterday.
I'm only writing this because I would like you to know what's going on in my life, you don't have to do anything about it.
Read More of the journal titled "November 1, 2021 - A cruel October"
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