I have dedicated this page to my sister, Eileen because she is a tremendous person and shows great courage and determination.  I hope her story will inspire others who are in need of inspiration and faith. 

My sister is now 43 years old with two daughters and she is married to a wonderful man.  About 2 years ago, she was diagnosised with a brain tumor.  She had many symptoms and had been seeing a specialist.  She was on many medications for these symptoms and had been taking them quite a while before the doctors found the tumor.  The tumor was in the center of her brain and was blocking off the fluid to the brain stem.  Which in turn was giving her numbness in her legs and arms.  After the scan of her brain, the doctors found fluid that was lying on her brain and decided to perform surgery to relieve the fluid. 
 

She was sent to a hospital in New York to a specialist who would perform the surgery.  While there at the hospital, the specialist took another look at the brain scan and decided to call in another surgeon to remove the tumor.  It was a delicate operation and not many of these were performed.   The risks were apparent to her and the family, but it could be removed and it would give her relief from the long time pain and medications.  After major consideration, she decided to have the surgery to remove the tumor.  The doctors had expressed to her the effects from the surgery which would of included vision problems, dizziness, numbness and other effects.  Most of which she was having with the tumor. 

After the surgery she remained in the hospital for another 2 weeks.  The doctors had seen miraculous response to medications and recovery from the operation.  She quite a few weeks ahead of schedule.   She was released from the hospital and came home to recover fully from the surgery. 
 

Still having some of the effects from the surgery, she was home bound for some time after that.  Driving the car was impossible, house work was also a chore, and just everyday living was a challenge for her.  With the help of her family, she progressed very nicely and soon was able to do it on her own. 
 

She is very active in her church and we believe the prayers were answered.  Her faith in God has really been the source of her support.  Her family has been by her side through it all, and we are so grateful to everyone who had been assigned to her care. 

She has recovered from the surgery, however still on medications for other medical problems, the tumor has not returned.  Her medical problems have not yet been diagnosised, however she is taking the recommended medications the doctor has prescribed.  The doctors do not believe that the problems are connected with the brain tumor surgery and are confident that the medications will control the symptoms. 

Currently she is being treated for her panic attacks, blood pressure, and some sort of chemical imbalance.  Because the doctors are unsure of the condition, they have ruled out Multiple Sclorsis and possibly Meniere's Disease.  She is back to a normal daily routine and with medications can live a normal life. 
 

She is not one to realize what an inspiration she is to others, and does not see what a courageous person she is.  She has been on the verge of loosing her life to the brain tumor and has strived to regain her life back.  In my book that is a courageous person, and I am very happy to see her have the second chance at life. 

In biological terms, Eileen is my step sister for the past 29 years.  My mother married her father about 15 years ago, although I have lived with them since I was a year old.  Eileen was 14 or 15 years old when I came in to their home.  My mother and I were welcomed with open arms, and for that I am grateful.  I was an only child, and now I have 2 step siblings.  It was an adjustment for me as well as for them.  My step brother is 48 years old and has medical problems of his own.  He had to have surgery a few years ago as well, and is a diabetic for which he takes daily injections of insulin to control it. 

I feel I am so blessed to have a family who are inspiration to many, and who has the determination to strive for health and happiness. 

I have researched the net and found some wonderful sites with information about our family's illnesses.  I do hope you find some reassurances, inspiration, and support in Eileen's story and other's stories with these illnesses.  Support is so important.