My Meningioma
Your feature on Maria Menounos ("Brain Storm," December 2017/January 2018) hit close to home. I, too, had a temporal lobe meningioma that went undetected for years with no symptoms at all. On a visit to my ear, nose, and throat doctor, he seemed concerned with some hearing loss in my left ear and ordered an MRI of the brain with contrast. To my shock, it revealed a meningioma very near the optic nerve. After consulting with a neurosurgeon, we determined that surgery was necessary as the tumor was too large for radiation or Gamma knife radiosurgery.
After doing some homework and joining a support website called Meningioma Mommas, I scheduled surgery four months later. During a nine-hour procedure, the whole tumor was successfully removed. After a week in the neuro ICU, I was sent to a rehabilitation facility for three weeks, then continued my recovery at home. I have yearly MRIs, and so far so good.
I am so intrigued by Maria's story and wish her mom all the best on her journey. Thank you for highlighting meningioma. - Barbara McKeefery, Stevensville, MD
While it's nice to read inspiring stories about people with brain tumors, what about those of us whose tumors resulted in lingering difficulties? My own brain tumor was benign, but the side effects I experienced after surgery include memory loss, hypersensitivity to noise, fatigue, difficulty processing information, depression, and anger problems. I do have good days, but my family and friends don't realize that just because I have a couple of good days doesn't mean I'm cured. I've tried explaining this to them, but because I look good and occasionally feel good, they are hesitant to believe that my problems are real.
Perhaps you could write stories about what it is like to live with a brain tumor when you have real deficits. Maybe if my friends and family read those stories in a respected magazine like yours, they would have a better understanding of what I'm going through. Inspirational stories can be helpful, but that's not the reality for everyone. - CJ Heavey, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Spotlight on Caregivers
Thank you for your focus on caregivers in the latest issue ("Begin Again," December 2017/January 2018). I'm a board-certified hypnotist who works with victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking, military and law enforcement personnel and their families, and, specifically, caregivers. I have found that caregivers often don't know how or where to refresh or find themselves. Over time, they come to expect each day of their life to be just like the day before. Their self-confidence and zest for life diminishes to the point where they become ill and in need of care. Thank you for highlighting this important group of people. - Anthony M. Davis, BCH, MSCA, Lynchburg, VA
Your story on reclaiming life after years of caregiving was written just for me. Nine months ago my husband lost his final battle, not from stroke or its complications, but from a fast-acting cancer. Grief and the Christmas holiday posed a challenge. Your article was both compassionate and realistic, drawing on the experiences of those navigating similar waters. Thanks to you and them for such gracious help in being able to grieve while moving forward positively. No words can fully express my appreciation for the insightful regard extended toward those who embrace caregiving and its challenges simply because it's what we do for the people we love. - Joan Beauregard, Richmond, TX
A Wealth of Information
I have been receiving Neurology Now for about five years. I keep the issues and index many of the topics. I do not have a neurologic condition, but many of my friends do. One died from ALS, others have various forms of dementia, another has Parkinson's disease, two others have multiple sclerosis, and a very close friend has myasthenia gravis. The information in Neurology Now helps me understand what my friends are going through. I always have several copies on my coffee table, and over the years many of my friends have subscribed. - Stuart L. Cohen, Tamarac, FL
Monkey Around
Your article about capuchin monkeys was very interesting ("Monkey Business," December 2017/January 2018). However, it left the impression that a capuchin monkey would qualify as a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is not correct. Only dogs are recognized as service animals under the ADA.
Specific Coverage
Recently I have begun to study your outstanding publication, and wondered if you could publish something on traumatic brain injury (TBI). My wife fell on June 3, 2014, and had a subdural hematoma removed that night. Since then she has struggled constantly with dizziness, balance, and vision problems. We have consulted with many physicians, who all validate the TBI and its impact but offer no real actions or solutions. Might you consider this topic for an article? - Bruce Simpson, Hilton Head, SC
I have Chiari malformation and would love to see an article and information about this rare disease. I am 63 and had surgery about 18 years ago after four incidents where my husband heard me fall out of bed but wondered why I didn't get up. The first one happened on Christmas eve 20 years ago. I am interested in learning more about Chiari in adults. - Linda Berglund, Shoreview, MN
My husband has frontotemporal dementia (FTD). I love Neurology Now, but would like to ask that you address FTD more in your upcoming issues. - Juanita Ivie, Springville, AL
Do you anticipate a focus on paralysis or spinal cord injury in future articles in Neurology Now? - Frank D. Kotey, Auburn, CA
THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you all for your letters. We try to cover as many neurologic disorders as we can and will continue to do so. In the meantime, you can peruse past articles about traumatic brain injury, Chiari malformation, frontotemporal dementia, and spinal cord injury on our website by typing the name of the disorder into the search box.
