A Bit Of Brain Tumor Research News

This year there have been a few items in the news worthy of note. This one did not, in my opinion, receive enough coverage:

The International Journal of Cancer, which is published online, reported on a study undertaken in Finland. This study backs up another research report into the increased risk of developing a brain tumour for many regular cell phone users.

The study firmly correlates phone usage with an increased risk of developing a brain tumour called a Glioma and it reported that the risk of developing this brain tumour rose 40 - 270 percent on the side of the head preferred by modern cell phone users who have used their phones for more than 2000 hours in their lifetime.



Now that fact alone will scare many people out there. Many of us have anxiety attacks if we suddenly realise we have left the phone at home and business' rely heavily on this form of contact. The interesting thing is though that the study shows that the risk was highest among people under the age of twenty.

We are cautioned by other scientists that this does not mean that as soon as you reach ten years of cell phone usage you will have an immediate tumour but there is a high risk of this showing up at a later date.

As is always the case where money is involved, the mobile phone manufacturers proclaim that their phones are safe having funded their own research, which is open to interpretation.

Personally, I feel that I will definately take a closer look at my phone usage and where possible make use of hand free options. Surely it makes sense? And parents should have some cause for concern about their children and teenagers. If it's not really necessary, why have one? Make it emergency use only! This decade, it's very grown up and cool to have your own mobile phone - I hope it doesn't become a regular trend to be comparing brain tumour damage!

This is not hearsay, this is the second study of its type and it firmly correlates cell phone usage with an increased risk of developing certain brain tumors.

Consider your options.
Regards, Lynda

So What is a Meningioma?

Well, put simply, it is a tumor of the Meninges.

Where are the Meninges? The Meninges are membranes that protect our brain and spinal cords. They consist of thin sheets of body tissue and act as a protective shield to our brains and spinal cords.

Nobody has yet come up with a conclusive reason as to why they occur and research continues to unravel the mystery. Certain possibilities have been put forward, such as mobile phone usage and hormone replacement therapy recently, but as yet nothing is a certainty.

Research so far has concluded that meningiomas make up nearly 1 in 5 of all primary brain tumours, they are most common in women (A strike for me) and they are most likely to be found in people middle aged and older (Another strike for me - middle aged I mean!). Not a lot to go on really considering this affects a large proportion of the human race.

Meningiomas tend to favour the cerebral hemispheres of the brain but can start in any part of the brain or spinal cord.

On the positive side (the side I obviously favour), malignant meningiomas are VERY rare. Most meningiomas are benign (non cancerous) and grow slowly and the cells do not spread from the original site. It is often possible to completely remove meningiomas with surgery but it depends on the location and accessibility.

Until next time - Enjoy Today.

Chapter One - Setting the Scene

EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER ONE:

'I have had very little sickness in my life and have never been in hospital for any reason other than to work as an admin clerk for 6 months. So, yes, you have it right, I have my tonsils and my appendix and I have never broken a bone in my body or had food poisoning or a baby. Remarkable isn’t it that I escape a hospital visit for 48 years? But, boy, when I do it, I do it big! No messing around!'
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After waking up one morning in Mid June, I stretched, as you do at the start of a new day and realised that certain parts of my body were out of control. A little episode that lasted all of 30 seconds, although it did feel like 10 minutes to me. So, what was all that about?

I found a very interesting video on 'YouTube' for anyone out there that may be confused about their brain tumour diagnosis. A consultant oncologist explains the difference between Benign and Malignant brain tumours and the treatment options. I found it very clear, to the point and with no jargon :-)

www.youtube.com/v/oY4UJjKOKb0&hl=en&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="349">

See you later for further information posts on the mystery Meningioma.

Today Is The Day

Hi everyone

Back again to tell you all my Ebook has today gone live for purchase. I'm looking to make as much money as possible for Brain Tumour Research so I hope you will find time to visit my website and consider a purchase. I promise you will find a full account of my experience from start to finish and hopefully you will enjoy a few giggles and some dramatic photos along the way. (It is an 'uplifting account' I promise)

Just in case you are wondering what this is all about, my Ebook is called:

My Brain Tumour - One Womans Uplifting Story

Here is the Introduction to give you some insight and I will post an extract from Chapter One next week:

INTRODUCTION

Hi,

My name is Lynda.

You are probably desperately searching for answers having recently been told that either you or someone very close to you has a meningioma. My thoughts and good wishes are with you all.

Your journey is just about to begin and the purpose of me writing this book is to share with you my journey in the hope that it will help you a little to understand the emotions, shock and sheer terror that such news brings and to offer some encouragement.

The one thing I have learnt though throughout my research is that nobody has the exact same experience and it is therefore my aim to include the resources to find good information and associations that have forums for you to ask questions of other meningioma survivors. Please remember what I said above though, that everybody has a different story and we all experienced different things. Your story will be different again and one of your best friends at this time will be your doctor. If you haven’t already, find one that has time for you, one that you trust and respect and ask as many questions as you need to.

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is a nightmare. It turns your world upside down and is both scary and worrying for both the victim and their family. I use the word ‘victim’, because that’s how I felt at the time and I hope that by reading my story it will help you in coming to terms with your own situation.

My very happy world was hit by a thunderbolt on the 14th July 2006 when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I had a brain tumour; I had it surgically removed on 19th July 2006 and was back in my own home on 29th July, relieved that I had made it through safely, thankful for a second chance and wondering what all the initial fuss was about.

I don’t mean to be flippant in any way. I know that I was probably luckier than most with regard to the position of my meningioma, I had a fabulous doctor with in-sight, I had a top rate neurosurgeon, I had my hero and the love of my life by my side, I had the love of family and friends and I also had the will and determination to overcome this hiccup in my life. I am a survivor.

Take a look at the website for more information.....

I'll be back next week.

Regards Lynda

My First Post - Nearly Ready To Launch

I am so excited. I have just completed my first ever E-book, all on my own, on my very favourite subject at the moment - my brain tumour and it will be ready for launch next week and hopefully making some useful cash contribution to brain tumour research.

I am really hoping it will help any of you out there in Blog land who may have been diagnosed or know someone who has because it is a very scary time and this is a positive account to offer you some encouragement. I will be back during the week to let you know more....