The medical journey
I have been diagnosed with a symptomatic growth located in my pineal gland. I experienced my first symptom in 2006 and have seen so many doctors that have tried different treatments and have been given different diagnosis. There was no definitive explanation as to why these issues have come about but I have been labeled with peripheral neuropathy, CRPS, migraines, anisocoria, essential tremors, light and sound sensitivity, unexplained nausea, and tinnitus over the past 12 years. There were no abnormalities or explanations on tests with the exception of an enlarged and complex pineal gland.In 2016, I found a facebook group called Pineal Cysts and Tumors that has not only supported me emotionally, but also provided me with valuable information that linked me with doctors educated in my specific illness. Other members in this group had similar symptoms as mine and I was amazed that most doctors had very little knowledge of the pineal gland. In September, I became ill with hives and received what should have been a simple and easy treatment. I then became violently ill and felt myself take a turn for the worse. I have not been able to work or petsit since the beginning of September. Standing is unbearable after 15 minutes. Sensitivity to light and noise noticed. When people speak in a regular voice I think they are shouting. I can’t stand fluorescent lights. Stress seems to aggravate everything at this point. I noticed recently I get angry easily and am more impatient from when I last thought I was becoming impatient.  I am easily lost in the middle of a sentence and I will pause until I can regain my train of thought. (Thanks everyone for finishing my sentences and reminding me what we were talking about!) I get nausea randomly, or if their is an unexpected texture when eating. Debilitating migraines! Recently, I experienced my first aural migraine. My social, home and work life have suffered dramatically over the past 6 months. Lately I feel so tired; sleeping in a dark quiet room has become my life. I feel my quality of life has declined for so many years, but this year has been nearly unbearable. I don’t think there any other options at this point.  After feeling as if I did my "due diligence", I reached out to Dr. Sunil J. Patel in Charleston, SC after reading that he is one of the 5 doctors in the WORLD that regularly deal with the pineal gland. I sent my MRIs, CT scans, medical records and a list/timeline of my symptoms to Dr. Patel and was told " I can cure you" on November 16th 2018. My surgery is scheduled December 19th, 2018 in Charleston SC. https://www.broadcastmed.com/neurology/7419/videos/resection-of-pineocytomas-offers-symptom-relief 
Moving forward and costs
I am expected to make a full recovery and should be able to return to work March 2019. This is where you come in, as you can imagine, my medical journey has become quite expensive. I have luckily been able to obtain COBRA continuation health insurance through my job which brings my $113,000.00 brain surgery to around $6,000.00 to $10,000.00. I have also cashed out my 401k and have been living off this money. Unfortunately, I am reaching the end of my funds and feel I have gotten so close to the end of this nightmare. I need help, your help to keep this journey going!
Your donation will go towards basic living expenses and medical bills. I know you all can't wait to get me back. Help me get over this horrifying illness!