Nikohle's Brain Tumor Surgery

In the early morning hours of May 4th, Nikohle woke up to use the restroom, what happened next is still uncertain. Maybe it was a seizure, or maybe she just passed out, no one can be exactly sure. All she remembers is sitting on the toilet, and waking up face down on the bathroom floor drenched in sweat, and seeing blood, her forehead and lip cut up, the inside of her mouth all chewed up and her bottom teeth busted. Feeling exhausted she went back to bed and was taken to the ER in the morning. She was referred for a follow up with a Neurologist a couple weeks later. She received an MRI, which revealed a 11 x 12 mm Pineal gland cystic tumor pushing on other structures in the brain, and starting to close off her cerebral aqueduct, which allows the spinal fluid to drain. If this fluid can't drain it causes Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain).  The Neurologist told her, they think it is probably a cyst, but there is no way to be sure without doing a biopsy. A cyst located in this part of the brain, over 5 mm is considered rare, and can cause many neurological symptoms, depending what other structures in the brain it is placing pressure on. Most Neurologists and neurosurgeons will never see one over 5mm in their career. Since the blackout episode, Nikohle has had constant headaches and head pressure, migraines, dizziness, vomiting, vision problems along with insomnia, and a long list of other symptoms. Things have not been the same for her. She is often very tired, and with constant headaches, it's hard for her to do the things she once enjoyed. Many surgeons won't do this surgery because it is in a very difficult spot to get to, in the middle of the brain. After much research and help from an online support community, she has found a couple surgeons who take this very seriously. They specialize in removing cysts and tumors from this area of the brain. Both of these surgeons are out of state. While still working full time, she started attending college, this past spring, and had been eagerly attending classes. With recent events she is struggling to focus on her job, her schoolwork, and even her life in general, due to her symptoms. She had a consultation via Skype with the surgeon in California. After reviewing her MRI, he told her because of her symptoms she is an excellent candidate for the surgery that would remove it, and he is confident it will put an end to her symptoms. The only thing holding her back from receiving this surgery and getting her life back, are the out of pocket expenses, travel and lodging expenses, her time off work, and not being able to afford school. She has insurance, which will cover a significant portion of the surgery, but the surgery is very expensive, and the insurance will only cover a portion of it. Making her out of pocket expenses still, a substantial amount. This is beyond her financial means. Adding to this, while recovering she would have no income coming in, causing financial burden and stress on her already fragile healing brain. Brain surgery is something that takes a lot of time, rest, and patience to completely recover from. With these financial burdens, she will not be able to let her brain rest, and heal properly if she is worrying how the bills will get paid, much less how she will afford to finish her schooling after such a huge financial blow. This has been a stressful time for her, as she is trying to figure everything out and worrying about the uncertain future. She has been trying to learn her limits, but she just wants her life back. We want to see her live it, and reach the goals she has set for herself. All of her out of pocket expenses have to be paid before the surgery can be performed. Without this surgery her symptoms will only continue to get worse. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We know God is truly good, and has blessed her in so many ways throughout her life. We know he will continue to bless her through this as well. Thank you, for your support.