Jan 10, 2023
This week we will discuss both Meningioma & Hemiplegia.
Our guest today is Marjorie Turner Hollman, a freelance writer/ editor who loves the outdoors, uses hiking poles to help keep her balance on the trail, and has completed four books in the Easy Walks guide book series. Her latest book, My Liturgy of Easy Walks, is a memoir, meditations on learning to live with a changed life. A native Floridian, she came north for college and snow! She has appeared on Boston’s ABC news show, Chronicle; Boston’s CBS Channel 4; the Boston Globe; local radio and cable TV shows; and been published in local, regional, and national publications.
A meningioma is just one of the more than 120 types of tumors that can occur in the brain. Meningiomas occur when cells from the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord (called the meninges) grow and multiply out of control. These primary tumors are different from metastatic brain tumors, in which cancerous cells travel from other sites, such as the breast or lung, to the brain.
Meningiomas usually occur in people aged 40 to 70 and are more common in women than men. About 3% of people over age 60 develop meningioma.
Meningiomas fall into three general types: benign, atypical and malignant. About 85-90% of meningiomas are truly benign, although they may grow inside the head and cause problems by pressing on the brain. Atypical meningiomas are more difficult to eliminate by surgery alone and may recur locally after treatment. Malignant meningiomas, while uncommon, behave like a cancer and can spread directly into the brain, causing serious neurologic symptoms. (credits: Rosewell Park Cancer Center)
Unfortunately for Marjorie, the surgery to remove the life-threatening mass growing in her brain caused paralysis to her right side. She knew before going into surgery she might not survive the 12 hour operation. What she didn't know, was there was the risk of paralysis. Her story is one of strength and determination as she took her new condition to task and started helping others with mobility difficulties have a better understanding of accessible hiking trails on the East Coast.
Marjorie Turner Hollman
Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are
Freelance Writer/Author/Editor
https://www.amazon.com/author/marjorieturnerhollman