As you may have guessed my blogging days have come to an end for now. I may decide to put pen to paper, more like fingers to keyboard in the future, but for now I'm putting my blog on the shelf.
Danielle's Journey was originally created when my CLIC Sargent Social Worker, Simon suggested that I write a blog to document my experience of having a biopsy of my brain tumour in Bristol back in June 2013. I continued to write my blog throughout my radiotherapy days and even after my treatment was complete. I'm glad I did this as I have those memories good and bad written down forever, to keep not only for myself but to share with you.
Living with a constant headache, chronic fatigue and other debilitating symptoms since I was 13/14 years old does not only make me feel physically unwell, but mentally too. There is only so much one person can take before enough is enough. I've decided that I need to be selfish and focus on what is right for me. I always put a smile on my face as I don't want people to know what it's really like to be living with a brain tumour and hydrocephalus, as it is not a fairy tale story or a Hollywood movie. At times it is isolating when I can't go out because I'm in too much pain with my constant headache to the point of tears, or I'm exhausted because I'm just trying to get through the day. There is so much that I want to see and do, both big and small. I have a 'Wish List' on my phone to note down travels and experiences that I will hopefully get to do them one day. Some of them I have already done, such as go to Sorrento, Italy and visit LUSH Cosmetics on Oxford Street. Yet there are lots more I want to do including seeing Michael McIntyre perform live and walk across Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge.
I recently started physiotherapy with Rebound Physio who specialise with people who have neurological conditions, as in order to combat my chronic fatigue I need to exercise. I'm unable to cause any pressure or strain to my head as it will only make my headache worse and cause me to feel generally unwell, therefore I'm unable to continue to go to spin classes and weight training. This is due to the brain injury caused from severe hydrocephalus and numerous operations, which has left me in constant pain. My headache should get better overtime but for now it is a waiting and guessing game as to when it will. In the meantime which I've mentioned on my Facebook page (The Brain Tumour Charity - Danielle McGriskin Fund), I'm seeing a pain specialist to find out what he can offer me. Today an Occupational Therapist came out to see me regarding a wheel chair. There is no way on earth that I imagined I would need a wheel chair, but for the times when I need to use it I know that I have it.
Thank you for being apart of my continuous journey. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all your love and support. I will still occasionally put updates on my Facebook Page of how I am doing and what I've been up to.
Danielle X
