by Syema Sinclair
Being diagnosed with a brain tumor is a life-changing event. For me, it was a journey of fear, faith, and resilience that began with seemingly ordinary symptoms and led to an extraordinary fight for survival.
From Migraines to a Life-Altering Diagnosis
I’ve had a decade of strength and faith at this point, but it started innocently enough—migraines that I thought were just part of a busy life as a single parent and a military member stationed in Germany. When my vision became blurry, I sought help from my primary care doctor. Their diagnosis? Dry eye syndrome. I was given treatments for the migraines and told the vision problems were nothing to worry about.
But the symptoms didn’t go away. Instead, they grew worse.
In 2014, after years of discomfort and unanswered questions, I finally got the diagnosis that would change everything: a brain tumor. And it wasn’t just any tumor—it was severe enough that I was told I had 30 days to have it removed.
Facing the Unthinkable
Being told you have a brain tumor is a moment that defies words. Fear? Absolutely. But as I processed the news, I leaned into my faith. I reminded myself that no matter the outcome, I had to stay strong—for my two boys and for myself.
Surgery was my only option. Scheduled for what would be over 12 hours under the knife, I braced myself for what was to come.
The Long Road to Recovery
When I woke up, I was greeted by the faces of my mom, my sister, my boys, and my military family. Their love and support were my anchors in those first fragile moments after surgery.
The operation had been a success, but the tumor had left its mark. Severe nerve damage on my right side and the crushing of my optic nerve led to permanent vision loss. For eight months, I couldn’t drive or perform many of the daily tasks I had once taken for granted.
But I was alive.
Life, Ten Years Later
Fast forward to today, 10 years after my diagnosis and surgery. I’m a brain tumor survivor, a fighter who’s learned to navigate life with challenges I never imagined I’d face.
My journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me the value of persistence, faith, and the power of a support system. My boys, my family, and my military community rallied around me when I needed them most, proving that no one fights alone.
What I’ve Learned
1️⃣ Advocate for Yourself: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t settle for vague answers. Keep pushing for the care you deserve.
2️⃣ Lean on Your Community: Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, let the people around you help. You don’t have to face this alone.
3️⃣ Hold Onto Faith: For me, faith was my foundation. It gave me the courage to face the unknown and the strength to keep moving forward.
Hope for Others Facing a Brain Tumor Diagnosis
If you or a loved one is battling a brain tumor, know that survival is possible. While the path may be difficult, with the right support, faith, and determination, you can overcome even the greatest obstacles.
