The Tumor That Changed My Life

Name

The day after I was first released from the hospital, my parents and I had lunch with a friend of theirs. While we were talking he suggested I name my tumor, so I texted some of my friends. I got suggestions like Jasmine, Isabella, and Randy.

Naturally, I decided on Randy.

My siblings got home sometime that afternoon. I don't remember talking to them much. The house was oddly quiet that day, despite 5 kids running around.

The next morning I went to school, just like normal. Except, it wasn't normal. I was terrified about the future. But, I would have to get over it. I started off the day in the principal's office, explaining the situation. It was awkward. She said we'd figure something out.

Next I said goodbye to my dad as I headed off to math class. I don't remember what we learned that day, my head was somewhere else.

Mod 2 I had gym. Mr. Hanson made me sit out instead of exercising with the rest of the class. I guess he didn't want to hurt Randy. While everyone else played kickball, I sat on the bench. I remember two boys asking me why I was warming the bench instead of playing with them. I told them I had a brain tumor. They looked confused for a moment before asking for the serious answer. I told them I had a brain tumor. Their expressions turned from humor to a form of pity.

After Gym I headed off to technology. I told the teacher about my tumor. She told me not to worry about her class. She even let me use this time to tell all of my other teachers about the situation. They all said the same things.

"Just focus on getting better"

"Be strong"

"You're very brave"

That's what everyone says when you don't know what else to say. It is kind of hard to swallow.

One of my teacher's reaction was very very interesting. During the entirety of the previous year I was in and out of school. He believed I was faking my illness and I made school my top priority. That doesn't make him a bad person, he was just wrong. When he found out I was diagnosed with brain tumor, he made a complete 180 in his point. He them started telling me to just focus on getting better.

In mod 4, my teacher let be go to both homerooms and tell everyone what was happening. The difference in reaction between the two was comical. My homeroom acted very lightheartedly after hearing the news. One of the boys sarcastically asked me if I was going to die. The other homeroom seemed very scared for me. When I told them, one of my friends just covered their mouth and watched in horror as I told everyone I was going to be gone for a long time.

I don't remember much else from that day. I remember going over to my friend's house after school and talking with her. I also remember calling the principal to tell her I was going to take the next day off.

I think I slept well that night. The next day was going to be only only day of relaxation for a while. I was going to need it.