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Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked all kinds of questions regarding running and my diagnosis on a regular basis. I, therefore, thought I might dispel some of the myths and provide some of the more detailed information and answers.
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What is a brain tumour?Brain cancer and a brain tumour are the same thing, it's just the way different people name them. There are many different types of brain tumours, however, they are categorised into grades. The type of tumour you have and where it is located in the brain will determine how to treat brain cancer. Brain cancer is often treated with surgery, rdiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a mix of these.
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What is it like living with a brain tumour?Living with a brain tumour is challenging even in the best of circumstances. It becomes a part of you and everything you do, so you try not to let it interfere with whatever you do or get in the way of your everyday activities. Sometimes the presence of your tumour might make you feel heavy and overwhelmed by feelings related to it. Here, it's important to keep your composure, go about your business, and lead a normal life. Think positively about your life and make the most of every day. It's crucial that you continue on and act normally in spite of it.
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What is it like having cancer at a young age?It can be very tough to deal with and process. As young person who was diagnosed at 27, there wasn't anyone in the hospital that I could resonate with. A brain tumour is more of an older person's illness, you don't expect it to affect a young person but that isn't the case. It is not subjective, it can strike at any age, anyone of any background. It can be very tiring, heavy on your heart, and sometimes too much for you to handle emotionally. It's important to share that weight and don't let all of it rest on your shoulders. You might feel like you're being a burden, you're not. I'm trying to change this and help increase awareness of them and that they are more common. A young person can use my story and hopefully help reduce some of the issues they have, questions, and provide clarity that they aren't only ones - there are people out there achieving things.
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Do you face limitations with what you can & can't do?The easy answer would be yes. After surgery, I encounter a wide range of issues, and balance is one that affects a lot of things. Some of your paths are obstructed, so you have to find alternate methods of doing activities. Finding a fresh approach and training your mind to utilise it are the challenges associated with accomplishing things that you used to do so effortlessly.
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Why did you select running?Running provides many benefits, ultimately, the growth of your tumour is part down to how fit you are and the frequency of how much you exercise. I am unable to participate in a range of sports and that is a tough pill to swallow. It limits what you can do. I chose running as my sport to try and make an impact as it is the road and I, I have no one else to blame. The responsibility rests on my shoulders and this is the best way that I can show others or get a message across.
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Are you supposed to run when diagnosed with cancer?Every individual is unique, and so is their method of tackling things. My approach is to give it everything I've got, aspire for resilience, and that's why I run. Exercise has a preventative effect on tumour growth as long as you maintain a consistent level of fitness. Running is a great method to do this since it improves your mental health, physical appearance, and self-esteem in addition to making you feel better. Additionally, it gives you a feeling of independence, helps you temporarily forget about things, and lessens the stress that comes with receiving your diagnosis.
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