Patient

Darcie Tossetti
Patient Highland, CA

Q. How was your meningioma discovered?
A. After several months of having what I thought to be sinus headaches and infections, my PCP sent me to a wonderful ENT. He treated me at first for the same old thing, with no improvement. He then scoped my nose and throat. Finding a small mass, he ordered a CT scan, to determine the size. My left frontal lobe meningioma was discovered with this CT scan. The small mass in my throat was later diagnosed as extra tonsil matter.

Q. How did you source your doctor?
A. I was first sent to a neurosurgeon, by my Primary Care Physician. After the first meeting with this NS, I was very uncomfortable with him and requested a second opinion with a neurosurgeon who was recommended by a physician friend of my older brother.

Q. What course of treatment did you undergo?
A. My meningioma was removed through surgery.

Q. What was the most difficult part of going through diagnosis, treatment and recovery?
A. Not being able to talk face-to-face with someone who had already been through what I was facing. Feeling like I had lost my independence. The fear of having more seizures.

Q. What kind of follow-up care are you currently pursuing? Do you still experience any side effects from diagnosis or treatment?
A. I have regular appointments with my neurologist. Have annual MRI and faithfully take my medication. Yes. still after being 20 months post op, I tire very easily, still have problems with my short-term memory and become upset easily.

Q. Who were your caregivers and how did you interact with them?
A. My wonderful husband, my three grown sons, family and friends.

Q. How was your life changed by this experience?
A. It has thought me that life is so precious and to take it one day at a time. To live in the moment.

Q. Do you have any advice for people who are at the beginning of this personal journey?
A. Ask questions…let the people around you take care of you…find a support group with others who know what you are going through…research…take care of yourself

Q. Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently, if anything?
A. Nothing at all.

Q. How would you assess your quality of life today?
A. GREAT!!!! I’m alive. Trying everyday to enjoy this second chance God has given to me.