Help Me Get Brain Surgery

Hi Everyone!

Instead of boring you with my life story, let me give you the short version.

Back in 2017 I was diagnosed with a Pineal Gland Cyst, which is located in the middle of my brain. Pineal cysts are fluid filled spaces and is responsible for hormones related to your sleep/wake cycle. This particular cyst is extremely controversial as 1-5% of the population have one and quiet often goes un-noticed as they are non-symptomatic due to being less than 0.5mm.

So how does that relate to me?

Well… My cyst is currently 19 x 27 x 17mm. Looking at my last MRI, I can see that it has expanded from the gland ‘sac’ and is compressing the space for the brain fluid to flow around my head. Due to the size and the following symptoms I have been approved for surgery by Dr. Gert Tollesson in QLD on October 28th.

Some symptoms I experience almost everyday are:

• Headaches/Migraines

• Vertigo

• Exhaustion

• Low body temperature

• Pressure in the head (due to build up of excess fluid)

If I don’t get this surgery it’s possible I can start to experience seizures, loss of consciousness and possibly loss of life.

So what does the surgery involve?

I will be getting the cyst removed with an open craniotomy procedure, which means they will open and remove a section of my skull to allow the surgeon to enter the brain. They will remove the cyst, replace the bone, stitch me up and I will be on my way to ICU. I will be in ICU for an estimated 5days, then will be able to head to booked accommodation for 5days before flying home.

At the moment, with the current COVID restrictions, James and I will have to quarantine before I’m able to see my surgeon for pre-op scans and I will not be able to have visitors in the hospital – which scares me a little bit.

So why the page?

As you can imagine, this is not exactly cheap… As well as the surgery itself, there are extra costs like, quarantine, scans, appointments, flights and accommodation, rehab and physio, and loss of wages. I know it’s a hard time for everyone at the moment due to COVID, but if you have a spare couple of dollars to help me feel normal again, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Much love,

Bec x