Memories From Before Brain Surgery

Tuesday, March 31st, 2015     by Robin Luftig     2 Comments

puzzle piecesRunning up and down steps with ease. That’s the memory from before brain surgery that bothers me the most. I miss that skill. Now I hold on to the rail that offers support. It’s just a bit of support, but I rely on it being there.
Enjoying jigsaw puzzles is another loss I face. When I look at a tabletop covered with 500 pieces of disjointed cardboard and break into a sweat. My mind is filled with chaos and I need to walk literally away from the table.
Then I take my eyes off myself and look at other brain tumor survivors. I watched a short video of a young woman thrilled because she could wiggle her toes again after her surgery. This was the first positive sign she’d had in a year. Or I see tears of joy and pride from a wife as her husband begins to feed himself again after his brain tumor surgery.
Memories are nice to visit and are great gifts from God. But I try to keep it all in perspective. The fact that I can remember anything is a gift in itself.
Even though I miss running up and down stairs, I’m thankful I have the ability to walk them by myself. That’s a gift, too.
What gifts do you have?

2 Comments

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  1. shellybeachonline says:
    April 13, 2015 at 11:02 am

    So glad I found your site. I underwent brain surgery on December 30, 2015. Docs originally diagnosed me with glioma/glio and gave me months. My diagnosis has been slow coming. My mental and physical capacities have changed. Since surgery, I have a lot of problems with stairs, walking, cognitive challenges–simple things like counting $$. I can’t discriminate voices in loud rooms. So many things that people take for granted. Sending hugs to you, friend. <3 <3

    • Robin Gilbert Luftig says:
      April 13, 2015 at 11:16 am

      Thanks for responding. Many in the brain tumor survival community are loving and caring individuals who walk along others who are struggling. See how easy it is to share, knowing we have so much in common?
      I look forward to sharing with you in the future.
      Hugs!

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