Survivor Story: Thriver, Survivor, Fighter! Life with Brain Cancer with Ruth Kavanagh

Have you ever tried to tell your story while in the middle of it? Seeing the light and lessons can be challenging in hindsight let alone while living it. Ruth Kavanagh who is currently fighting, surviving, and thriving with brain cancer shares her message of hope, courage, and strength in the midst of metastasis. She is a true warrior advocating for others even while she is in the throes of her own treatment. Our souls were touched and tissues were wet during this recording. Be prepared for tears, laughs, goosebumps, and inspiration. We caution you that this is an emotionally powerful episode, please be in a safe space while listening.  In this episode:Traumatic vs. Acquired Brain InjuryTraumatic- from an outside injury or force, i.e. car crash, hitting head, concussionAcquired- an internal factor, i.e. lack of oxygen, aneurysm, stroke, infection, brain tumorRuth Kavanaugh’s storyThriver, survivor, fighter! Listen to your body, it will tell you if something is wrongAnaplastic Ependymoma: one of the rarest forms of brain tumor, only about 2% of brain tumors are this type. It is cancerous and extremely aggressive.  Because it is so rare there is little research or treatment options.Ruth set her mind that she will get through thisIf you go online, make sure it is a reputable site (see below for suggestions)Radiation therapyCaused extreme fatigueLife after treatment: too tired to do anything and left to your own thoughts.  Can be a very dark time. Taking care of your emotional and mental healthRemove the stigma.  There is zero harm in seeing a counselor.  Only good will come from it.  You’ve got nothing to lose!Important to “date around” and find a counselor/psychiatrist who is the right fitThe cancer chaos“Scan-xiety” is a real thing.  Cancer survivors, you are not alone when you feel anxious about upcoming scansRecurrence More discussions in tumor boards, consultations, surgeries, and therapiesStereotactic radiotherapyAvastin- side effects bleeding and prevention of wound healingInfectionLoss during hard timesRevisional surgeriesMetastasis, only 25 cases known in the world that spread the way Ruthie’s hasMore chemoLessons for healthcare professionals: listen to your patient, don’t make pre-judgements, be very cognizant of where the patient is now rather than basing all judgement on your past experience with the patient, sitting with a patient lowers the power divide (standing over a patient is very intimidating and strengthens a patriarchal model of care), respect the person as a person (not just a condition)Self-advocacy is advocacy for those who don’t have a voice.  By standing up, telling your story, and advocating for better care; you can serve to stand up for those who can’t do it for themselves and help others. “I'm tired, but there is hope!”Strength, courage, and hope through extended trauma“There’s always hope.  It doesn’t necessarily mean that there is going to be a magical cure.  Look for it in the little things.” Hope can be finally being able to eat real food, getting out of bed, hoping for peace and...