Here is the timeline of events leading up to going to the ER.

Spring 2021

I first began to notice that I was feeling dizzy. I talked about this to my coworker, Karen, we were thinking inner ear infection or vertigo. I dismissed this and ignored it for a while.

June 30th

I noticed swaying after paddling the Joema Jellies. This continued after all paddles.

Strange things happening in July

I ran 3.5 miles at Tollgate Farm. I recorded that my left leg needed strength.

I fell backwards with my board as I left the water with Christi at Golden Gardens. we had paddled to La Tortuga for coffee.

On the way back from a bike ride to Snoqualmie Brewery I fell off my bike when I stopped to talk to a couple. I did this twice.

During a swimming lesson with Roberta, she laughed at me as I was swimming in circles!

August 11th

Finally went to the doctor for a consult. They did bloodwork and didn’t find anything

August 12th

I went on a solo trip to Lake Kachess to camp and paddle. On the way there my left hand would not turn the steering wheel the way I wanted. Freaked me out!

August 21st

Dave and I took Sophie and Roland to Bainbridge Island. I couldn’t feel Sophie’s hand when I was holding it.

August 23rd

School starts with a LIT planning meeting. I did a paddle first at Rattlesnake.
Later, at a meeting to talk about an upcoming weekend paddle trip, I couldn’t find my wallet and couldn’t feel it in my bag!

August 24th

I did a twenty minute run and noticed my left leg dragging and thought I needed to get it stronger.
Kick off at MSHS, then the intense work to integrate literacy to science. two of my close work colleagues said I did not look right and then I found I couldn’t focus and called my doctor, who told me to go to the ER.

I had an MRI at Swedish in Issaquah, where they found the two tumors. A neurosurgeon was located and I was moved to Cherry Hill Hospital in Seattle that night. When the paramedic arrived to escort me in an ambulance, I stood up to walk. He immediately asked me what I was doing. I told him I was leaving to go to Cherry Hill. He said he was shocked that I was even able to walk! When I asked him what he meant, as no one had really fully explained what was going on at that point, he asked if I was sure I wanted him to tell me. I said yes please. He told me that I had two tumors the size of medium lemons in my brain, and that he was surprised I was even able to walk!