I hate brain cancer

Summary

Éireann shares a deeply emotional update about her ongoing battle with brain cancer, reflecting on a difficult oncologist appointment. She discusses the harsh realities of treatment, including the cognitive effects of anti-seizure medication, and being told she has about 11 years left to live. While processing this news, Éireann highlights the importance of cherishing loved ones and creating positive memories. She urges viewers to appreciate life and loved ones before facing hardship. Despite the heavy topic, Éireann remains grateful for the support of her partner, family, and friends.

Takeaways

• 😔 The speaker is sharing a deeply personal and emotional update, advising anyone in a similar situation not to watch the video as it may be upsetting.
• 🩺 The speaker recently had an oncologist appointment where they discussed treatment options for brain cancer, including chemo, radiation, and BFF Inhibitors. The available options have been significantly reduced, leaving only one viable choice.
• 🧠 The oncologist informed the speaker that undergoing chemo and radiation would take up about a year of their life, a timeline that was unexpected.
• ❌ The speaker learned that they would never qualify for clinical trials due to the unspecified type of their brain tumor, which was a difficult revelation.
• ⏳ The speaker was told they have approximately 11 years left to live, which was shocking and hard to process, especially hearing it explicitly for the first time.
• 📉 The speaker struggles with cognitive decline, exacerbated by anti-seizure medication, and was disappointed to learn they would never come off these meds.
• 💔 The speaker has been processing the reality of their situation, which includes declining brain function, the inevitability of brain damage, and the emotional toll on themselves and their family.
• 🪦 The speaker reflected on the devastating impact of brain cancer, including its high mortality rate among young people and the lack of significant research funding compared to other cancers.
• 🌈 Despite the challenges, the speaker is grateful for their partner, family, and friends who support them, help create joyful moments, and provide a sense of normalcy.
• 🙏 The speaker urges viewers to appreciate their loved ones, cherish everyday moments, and avoid taking life for granted, emphasizing the importance of making memories while you can.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video is an emotional update from Éireann about her ongoing battle with brain cancer, her latest oncologist appointment, and the treatment options available to her.

Why does Éireann discourage certain people from watching the video?

Éireann advises people who are in a similar situation as her to avoid watching the video because it might upset them without offering anything helpful or positive.

What were the two treatment options Éireann was initially offered in Canada?

In Canada, Éireann was offered two options: 1) chemotherapy and radiation, and 2) BFF inhibitor medication, which could slow down the progression of her brain cancer due to a BFF mutation.

How did Éireann react to the oncologist's recommendation in Ireland regarding the BFF inhibitors?

Éireann was upset when the oncologist in Ireland advised against using BFF inhibitors, stating that they could actually speed up the progression of cancer in some cases.

What impact did Éireann learn the chemotherapy and radiation treatment would have on her?

Éireann was told that the chemotherapy and radiation treatment would take up a full year of her life and cause cognitive damage, which was a difficult realization for her.

Why is Éireann expected to stay on anti-seizure medication permanently?

Éireann was told by her oncologist that she would never come off anti-seizure medication, which would also have a long-term cognitive impact.

How did Éireann react to the prognosis of having 11 years left to live?

Éireann found it extremely difficult to process when her oncologist told her she likely had around 11 years left to live. The blunt phrasing of 'never living a long life' was especially hard for her to hear.

What was Éireann’s hope regarding clinical trials, and how was that affected by her latest appointment?

Éireann had hoped that clinical trials might be an option for her, but her oncologist explained that she wouldn’t qualify for trials due to the unspecified nature of her tumor.

How has Éireann's condition affected her mentally over time?

Éireann feels that her mental sharpness has declined compared to last year, and learning that her cognitive abilities will continue to worsen due to treatments and medication was a tough realization.

How does Éireann plan to approach getting a second opinion?

Although her oncologist downplayed the need for a second opinion, Éireann is determined to pursue one after taking time to process her situation, and she plans to push for it at her next appointment.