Mantra Recovery’s Post

Please take a moment to listen to my cousin, Zach’s story. He is one of the kindest, strongest, and most thoughtful people on this earth. After being diagnosed with a tumor on his brain stem at 15, his life was forever changed. His dream now is to begin a foundation for families like his to provide resources for financial support, emotional and spiritual support, and medical advocacy. His full story is found at the link below. If you feel motivated to contribute to this cause, or if you’re willing to share, the link to his GoFundMe is on this post.

13-Year-Old’s Failing Kidneys Have Caused Heart Infection Young Vaishnavi Battles for Life: Urgent Need for Kidney Transplant Thirteen-year-old Vaishnavi Sahu is courageously fighting a battle for her life against Hypertension, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Infective Endocarditis. Currently dependent on thrice-weekly hemodialysis, her only hope for a normal life lies in a live-related renal transplant with her mother as the donor. The estimated cost of the life-saving surgery is a staggering Rs... To donate - https://lnkd.in/gaE4-fJN

13-Year-Old’s Failing Kidneys Have Caused Heart Infection Young Vaishnavi Battles for Life: Urgent Need for Kidney Transplant Thirteen-year-old Vaishnavi Sahu is courageously fighting a battle for her life against Hypertension, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Infective Endocarditis. Currently dependent on thrice-weekly hemodialysis, her only hope for a normal life lies in a live-related renal transplant with her mother as the donor. The estimated cost of the life-saving surgery is a staggering Rs... To donate - https://lnkd.in/gaE4-fJN

13-Year-Old’s Failing Kidneys Have Caused Heart Infection Young Vaishnavi Battles for Life: Urgent Need for Kidney Transplant Thirteen-year-old Vaishnavi Sahu is courageously fighting a battle for her life against Hypertension, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Infective Endocarditis. Currently dependent on thrice-weekly hemodialysis, her only hope for a normal life lies in a live-related renal transplant with her mother as the donor. The estimated cost of the life-saving surgery is a staggering Rs... To donate - https://lnkd.in/gaE4-fJN

13-Year-Old’s Failing Kidneys Have Caused Heart Infection Young Vaishnavi Battles for Life: Urgent Need for Kidney Transplant Thirteen-year-old Vaishnavi Sahu is courageously fighting a battle for her life against Hypertension, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Infective Endocarditis. Currently dependent on thrice-weekly hemodialysis, her only hope for a normal life lies in a live-related renal transplant with her mother as the donor. The estimated cost of the life-saving surgery is a staggering Rs... To donate - https://lnkd.in/gaE4-fJN

"scanxiety" As February approaches, I reflect on the upcoming annual brain scan, a routine check following my craniotomy in 2022 to monitor the 2% of a benign, slow-growing tumor that remains. While this tumor slightly impacts my vision and energy levels, its effect on my daily life remains minimal. For those familiar with regular scans due to health challenges, the term "scanxiety" may resonates. It encompasses the mix of emotions leading up to the scan, from anticipation to a touch of anxiety during the wait for results. Despite positive outcomes in recent years, a hint of nervousness lingers as I await this year's verdict. January therefor for me is a time for contemplation and preparation, paving the way for the fresh start that February symbolizes. Amidst shared aspirations, I will be drawing inspiration for the upcoming year and unveiling my goals and dreams next month. If you notice changes in cognitive ability, it's crucial to seek medical attention, as most brain tumors are incidentally detected unless symptoms indicate an impact on brain function. Symptoms like migraine auras, speech, memory, mobility, or balance issues should prompt a check-up. For those affected by brain tumors, resources and support can be found at The Brain Tumour Charity website. https://lnkd.in/eXV8y9N7

I cried while I read this. I sobbed in the library while I wrote this review. I'm weeping now just sharing it on SM. This was such a good book, but WOW, right in the feels. Discover a powerful tale in my review of “What Does it Feel Like?” by Sophie Kinsella, an autobiographical story of a novelist battling terminal cancer. #bookreview #bookreviewblog #bookblog #reading #blog #ReadingCommunity #books #bookish #bookblogger #bookcommunity #booklovers #bookworm #bookdiscussion #LiteraryFiction #FictionReads #ReadMoreBooks #BookTalk #BookReviewCommunity #BookNerd #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #cancer #braincancer #Glioblastoma #sophiekinsella https://lnkd.in/eSJYr4rT

As we approach NF2 Awareness Day on May 22, it’s heartwarming to see the efforts to raise awareness and support research for this condition. Real people affected by NF2 are sharing their journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face, and inspiring hope for better understanding and treatments. These personal stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience, courage, and the importance of community. By sharing their experiences, these individuals contribute to a collective effort to improve the lives of NF2 patients and their families. We are each affected differently & people with NF2 are affected by Brain Tumours, Spine Tumours, Optical Tumours, Deafness, Blindness, Epilepsy, vocal chord paralysis, mobility problems, chronic pain, cataracts, facial palsy ... & much more! Today we meet Nicole who was diagnosed with NF2 at 16 years old. Although had been hard of hearing since 6 and always had bad balance issues. "Unfortunately when diagnosed my right sided acoustic neuroma was 4.2cm therefore the only option was surgery. I underwent 12.5 hour brain surgery in Glasgow when I was 16 and had to miss 1 year of school. I was left completely deaf in my right ear and had facial palsy. I now have a gold weight in my eye. I still to this date 12 years later suffer dry eye issues". Nicole has recently gotten a cochlear implant. NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition, unyielding and unrelenting. There is no middle or ending to any of our stories. Surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy—are the only options we have. Their impact reverberates through the delicate pathways of nerves, often leaving behind scars of lost function. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. Please consider donating to research, sharing your story & raising awareness. You can donate here to our research https://lnkd.in/euWUGuTS #endNF2 #NF2awareness #NF2Schwannomatosis #schwannomatosis #NF2support #nf2 #nf2family #nf2warrior #LetstalkNF2 #nf2charity #nf2cure #nf2treatment #nf2gene #nf2chromosome22 #nf2trials #nf2diagnosis #nf2lifeexpectancy #nf2prognosis #nf2research #nf2ismyteam #nf2awarenessday #nf2journey #StrongerTogetherAgainstNF2

Ann in her late 30's was diagnosed with advanced colo-rectal cancer. Post NACT she underwent a colostomy and has to wear a stoma bag. It's been a few months since her surgery and she has been living with an ostomy bag. Body image issues due to stoma bags are bound to be there. She suffers from anxiety, low self esteem, irritability, hopelessness, and the fear of being judged by society. There is also loss of Interest, avoidance of travelling ( so much so that she doesn't want to go for her child's graduation). When I was counselling her, the pain point was - how the treating onco - surgeon speaks to her now when she goes for follow -ups. She shared that the doctor told her why she is always complaining and crying. The doctor went on to say isn't she glad that she is alive and thousands like her have a colostomy bag , so she needs to stop this crying business. Ann burst into tears after sharing this. She said, " How can he not see my trauma? He operated on me and knows what my body has gone through. Of all the people around me he is someone I look up to for support. When he belittles my fears, it pushes me in a corner and I dread going for a follow up with him." Ann is indebted to the surgeon but his attitude towards her is causing her more trauma and adding to her Total Pain. This has had a negative impact on her mental and physical well being. Ann has been diagnosed with depression and this has caused further deterioration. Does Ann deserve this? Hasn't she been through enough. Does she not deserve empathy and compassion from the doctor to whom she owes her life? To the wonderful health care professionals , who save lives, my question is " how can you know what people with illnesses go through. No one can , except the one who suffer. How difficult it is to validate their feelings? Isn't it only fair that they be referred to a psychologist/ psychiatrist who can help deal with the mental health issues" There are many Ann's in this world who suffer in silence and suffer from PTSD/ depression / low self esteem/ anxiety after going through cancer treatment. They need professional support , they need to feel acknowledged . Isn't this their right? #patientrights #advocacy #patientadvocate #palliativecare #empathy #compassion #cancercare #couselling #psychologicalsupport #stoma #colostomy #ostomy #colorectal

🌸 Prioritize Your Health: A Personal Reflection 🌸 Life moves at a relentless pace, doesn't it? We're constantly juggling between work, milestones, and chasing our dreams. But amidst the whirlwind of PowerPoint presentations and career ambitions, there's one thing that often gets sidelined—our health. I learned this lesson the hard way when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In an instant, everything came to a screeching halt. The deadlines, the meetings, the ambitions—all faded into the background as I embarked on the journey of recovery. But here's the silver lining—I wasn't alone. With the unwavering support of incredible individuals like you, we've managed to raise 6k towards my treatment. Your kindness and generosity have been a beacon of hope during my darkest days. My message to you all is simple yet profound: prioritize your health above all else. No PowerPoint presentation, no career milestone is worth jeopardizing your well-being. Cherish your health, nurture it, and guard it fiercely. Because when your health falters, everything else pales in comparison. So, I urge you to take a moment today to check in with yourself. Are you giving your health the attention it deserves? Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. And if you're able and willing to support my journey towards recovery, please consider contributing to my fundraiser: 👉https://gofund.me/5316ff25 👈 Together, let's make health a priority and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future. With heartfelt gratitude, Tameka