Blogs anyone?

[Manders]

I'm a bit of a "blog-aholic" so when I first found out I had an AN I immediately started up a new blog to keep track of this entire journey. I've always found writing to be really therapeutic for me and it's provided a great outlet for me to sort through my thoughts and emotions. I've also read blogs of other people who have been in this situation and have found them to be hugely helpful.
Is anyone else out there blogging? If so, I'd love to check yours out. Mine is: www.awkwardturtlesan.blogspot.com. 

[MDemisay]

Dear Manders,

Very interesting concept, keeping a journal of your blogs and vice-versa. Most of us prefer to publicly talk things out but, keep going it's interesting!

I used to call my Acoustic Neuroma (schwannoma) "Irving" that's before I had him sub totally debulked! Then for 8 years, I forgot about "Ir" until he grew again now "Irv" patiently waits for me to
"Kill Irv" ala Kill Bill!

How's that for humor!

Mike

[Manders]

Haha, I love it, Mike! I hadn't thought about naming it. I'll have to give this some thought....so how did you decide on Irving? And yes, I think humor is certainly a great, healthy approach to the whole situation.

[MDemisay]

Manders,

Promise me you're not going to think I'm weird! My inspiration comes from a 60's black and white cartoon called Krazy Kat and Ignatz!

Yet I didn't want to call it Ignatz because the name Iggy is to cute, so I chose an ugly name like Irving debulked "Ir" grown a little "Irv".

Voila!

Humor accomplishes 2 things it makes us smile or laugh, and it shrinks or makes it smaller in our "minds eye"

Mike

[Manders]

Certainly not weird! In fact I think I might just "borrow" the name Iggy from you. I really like it! I think giving it a cutesy name makes it seem much more harmless. 

[JennieD]

Hi Manders,

I also have a blog. I don't update every day or anything, but I think it is a great outlet to get out whatever we are feeling. My blog link is: http://sunflowersentiments.blogspot.com/- the last post is the first time I have spoken about my Dad's AN diagnosis to the "world" and the first many of my friends have heard of it. Your blog looks great!! Thanks for sharing!

-Jennie

[MDemisay]

Manders,

I am glad to inspire you! You may use it with pleasure! I have another for you in 1974 I also had 3 AVM's removed which I thought were unrelated. But since they are totally dead and were removed I shall name them for the first time tonight

Moe, Larry and Curley. 3 Stooges( who are also dead). But while they were alive they were known for their mischievous antics. Here is the connection before I had my operation the Doctor thinks I had radiation which could have caused a slow growing AN. I also had a digital cell phone which I used with my left hand and my left ear.

I want everyone to know that I am not bitter, just committed to "kill Irv"

By the way, I am very grateful to be alive. Now that I know the connection, I no longer feel extremely unlucky. Just fortunate to have this forum to share our stories which bring us together.

I also have to tell you that the brain is very adaptable thankfully!

Mike

[Manders]

Jennie, I checked out your blog and it looks really great. I love the title too! Blogging is such a great way to get all of your thoughts and emotions "down on paper" and out of your head.
 And, Mike, congrats on the  naming of your 3 AVMs. I think Larry, Curly, and Moe are very appropriate selections! I must admit, your posts always make me smile. 

[MDemisay]

Manders,

I think that inspiring people is what I do best. Whether, it is with a joke or something that is serious but silly, it makes people stop and reconsider our lives, as it were, there is a purpose for everything.

Please if you want a serious laugh there is a YouTube video by David Minnick called "My schwanomma" it's gone viral and it's a classic! It is a must see Manders!

Mike

Our purpose is to keep encouraging each other to talk and in some cases laugh!

[Susan A]

LOVE the "My Schwannoma" video - thanks for posting that!!

[MDemisay]

Susan,

It was a riot! Glad I could improve someone's mood! You are most welcome spread it around, life is serious only when you let it be!

Mike

Wish that it could be so simple!

[Manders]

Hahahaha oh my goodness love the video! I will certainly be posting it on my blog. Thanks for sharing, Mike!