My name is Krystal I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was in the back of the
brain on the stem. I had a major operation to remove the tumor. After the surgery, I
was in a coma.  
When I woke up, at first I couldn't talk, all I could do was wiggle my toes. My mom
was there for me all the time. My dad was there mostly night's cause he had to work.
My family, friend's, & church family were very supportive. I am glad I have God in
my life too. I thank Him everyday for how strong He has made me and is continuing to
make me. In April of this year, I started talking. At first I could only say my
vowels, doctors anticipated that the next would be words, but I went straight into
sentences.  
 
While in rehab, I went back the to hospital for another surgery because my brain was
producing too much fluid and it was clogging it. A permanent shunt (tube)was put in
in, to drain fluid from my brain. The shunt went from my head to my stomach. Later
that month, I went to my senior prom with my latest boyfriend. The ballroom was
decorated very pretty. I also had a stomach tube (a tube inserted in the stomach for
means of nutrition when someone cannot get it through the mouth). I couldn't chew.
Where they did my surgery, got into where my coordination area is. It was extremely
hard for me to learn everything again. I can't remember, tasks were/are just
difficult. It was & is very frustrating. 
 
Before my tumor surgery, I was a Senior in high school, most of the time I was at
the rehab hospital, I had schooling, so I got to finish school.  When everything was
taken care of, the hospital threw me a graduation party. That was very nice! When I
left the rehab hospital, I went to another rehabilitation place.  
 
My actual school graduation was May 28, the day after I was discharged from rehab
hospital. My physical therapist came   so she could help me walk across the stage,
instead of being in my wheelchair. The ceremony was very nice.  
 
I look at my situation as an opportunity to educate & tell people about my story. In
rehab hospital, it was suggested by my case manager, that my mom & I write a book.
We've just started it. I also think my story would be good on the Lifetime channel.
I now want to use my experience & shed some light into this situation to help other
people, so that if they are or are ever in this sort of situation, it may be easier
on them. 
 
I miss everybody that has helped me through the recovery & the clients too. I think
one other thing that has helped my recovery tremendously is, I have always been
strong willed & healthy. I used to run track, cross-country, played softball for 13
years & on Drill Team. 
 
 
I had written a letter to my favorite singer, Celine Dion, so instead re-typing
story I just redid it since it takes so long to type. 
 
My sister had to get X-rays at the hospital closest to where we live. While we were
there waiting, I got bored. So I told my mom, I was going to wander around. She
said, "o.k., just don't go into any operating rooms". I left & in my head, I knew
exactly what I had to do. I found the ICU waiting room. A couples 37 year old son,
had a heart attack. I told them my story to give them hope & inspiration. I think it
helped, I could see the gladness in their faces. 
 
One other way I would like to reach people is by submitting my story to a magazine,
like Reader's Digest. I feel that no matter what people like, reading magazines,
books, working on computer or watching T.V. I can reach them somehow.

Email Krystal