Life Inspires Me

Dear Family & Friends,

2010, this year is the start of a new decade of endless possibilities, and yet another chapter of our lives. Over the span of the last two decades I have overcome my fair share of medical obstacles.

It has been over 15 years since the first time my head rested on the operating table for surgery to have remove a tumor.

10 years since I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a benign genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow throughout my central nervous system.

10 years since my first brain surgery to remove the larger of the bilateral acoustic neuroma’s compressing my brain stem, leaving me completely deaf in my left ear.

2 years ago I decided to give up the rest of my hearing with the removal Acoustic Neuroma on the right side that had been causing intolerable head pressure.

Are you ready for new medical obstacles to overcome with me??

I’m out of remission; both acoustic neuroma’s have grown back and are compressing my brain stem. There is fluid trapped in my brain that needs to be removed with the placement of a shunt. The head pressure is intense, and it’s affecting my quality of life. I’m having surgery again. The dates are being finalized right now, but need to happen within the next 6 months. Over these next few months I’m going to continue to keep my head held high and be inspired by life! Thank you all for your support over the years.

All the best & my love,

Jessica Stone

Last month went by way too fast!!!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying the New Year, but so many things were crammed into last month that my head is still spinning trying to register what all went on. Birthdays, Holidays, and even though I promised myself I wouldn’t I started reading 3 new books last month too. I had an appointment at University of Michigan the first week of December for my Cochlear Implant, and after the appointment my mom & I stopped in the mall to honor our tradition if going to H&M since it’s next door to Dr. Z’s office.

I found this photo hidden in a file while cleaning up my desktop today, which was taken while at the mall. The woman standing next to me in the photo seriously embodied bliss. Her cheerful smile alone made me feel at peace like I had just run into a close friend I hadn’t seen in awhile. Her hugs were so welcoming along with the scent of her perfume; which instantly made me think of my Grandmama (pronouced: GRAND-MaMa) I know that sounds nuts, but I believe that some people walk into your life to motivate you become a better person.

To the lady in red, thank you for the reminder to be inspired by life!

Saturday I’m going to the symphony!! Evelyn Glennie will be joining them!!

Evelyn inspires me to rock out on my drums!

Be focused on your goal.

Stay consistent with a routine to help you reach your goals.

Even taking consistent baby steps today puts you further than you were yesterday.

Consistent steps

Tis the season… to party?! more like this is the month to party in my house. Every week up to Christmas my family gets to celebrate one of my sibling’s birthday because they all were born in December… Who gets screwed over on Christmas presents?? NOT ME!!!

We had a Festive Sweater Party to my sister and her husband’s birthdays. Even Cooper was Festive!

Frosty said it best- “Happy Birthday!!” Happy birthday Sam, Bob, & Ty.