Meningioma Monday...

8-9-99--6-11-12

In honor of my boy...

"A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his."--John Grogan

It is with a heavy heart that I share my Koufax passed away peacefully today. 

I was lucky to have such a wonderful big lug of loyal love enrich my life for the last 12 years & 10 months.

Koufax was a companion and my champion canine caregiver encouraging me every step of the way during both of my meningioma recoveries.

He was an easy subject to often write about with his quirky ways.

http://www.lizholzemer.com/upload/Koufax%20My%20Crutch.pdf

http://www.lizholzemer.com/upload/Healing%20Hound.pdf

http://petphotographerrowe.com/doc-koufax-reunion/

I always appreciated your support when it was my turn to take care of him the last several years when diabetes and blindness throw a few more curve balls our way.

We both were damn lucky to get second chances.

Meningioma Monday...

What's in a name?!


Many of us like to name our meningioma invaders; others not so much.
I have always referred to mine as the uninvited roommate overstaying its welcome. 


For some, bestowing a name upon their tumor has given them a sense of control. 
For others, a few choice words is what's needed most.


Over the years, Meningioma Mommas' second family members have shared the following:


Fred
Monster
Spike
Draco
Fat bastard
Tina Tumor
Mini
Puffed up muffin
Get the fuck out
Spot
The Toad
Squatter
PITA
Willie because he's always on my mind
Maleficent
Bug
Rock
Minnie me
The Beast
Little hitchhiker
Martha
Fred  I want you dead and out of my head
Airhead
Dopey ,Sneezy, Happy, Sleepy, Grumpy, Bashful, Doc--yes, there are seven
Freddy the Freeloader


How about you? 


To name or not to name?

Meningioma Monday...

"It's not related."

"You're just tired."
"You're over-reacting."
"You're hormonal."
"You're stressed."

Yes IT is and NO we're NOT!


 Enough already.

Meningioma Monday...

Supports Meningioma Specific Research

Still in time for May's Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Curveball:When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor is now available as an ebook on Kindle and the Nook! 


This is another way to donate even more funding to meningioma research while reaching those of you all around the globe.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0084K0FBM


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/curveball-liz-holzemer/1008218577?ean=2940014445788

Meningioma Monday...

"No person was ever honored for what he received, but for what he gave."--Calvin Coolidge 

Thank you to meningioma survivor, Tanya Stearns and Gene Wayland at a Cut Above Graphics for selecting Meningioma Mommas to receive 10% of all proceeds from the sale of beautifully designed Meningioma Survivor t-shirts and stickers. For all the information and how to order, go to:


https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/A-Cut-Above-Graphics/230482353654084

Meningioma Monday...

Meningioma Monday...

"Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” — Albert Einstein

I admire creative people especially those with an artistic bent. Being one who works with words, it was only natural to wonder if I would lose the ability to write after my meningioma surgeries. Thankfully, time and lots of healing proved my doubts and fears wrong.

Despite my meningioma, I'm still able to pursue my craft. Along my meningioma journey I've been fortunate to cross paths with other meningioma survivors who are still able to pursue their creative passions.

Today's Meningioma Monday "Creative Cranium" shout out goes to Jinx Garza, a meningioma survivor who is an amazing glass bead artist. You can own an original Jinx piece, which will also support meningioma research during Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

Check her craft out at:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=jinx+garza&_sacat=See-All-Categories


Jinx also blogs about her meningioma journey at:

http://www.jinxgarza.com/about

Meningioma Monday...

Meningioma on My Mind Revisited...


It's been four years since the following guest commentary ran in the Denver Post.


http://www.lizholzemer.com/upload/A%20tumor%20on%20my%20mind.pdf


What's changed? 


Thankfully, Brain Tumor Awareness is celebrated for the entire month of May instead of just a week. 


I personally believe there is greater awareness for brain tumors, but they still remain understudied and underfunded.


Unfortunately, what continues to remain unchanged is a cure for the more than 120-plus brain tumors. 


How do you plan to celebrate Brain Tumor Awareness Month?


As always, thanks for sharing.