Brenda's Brainstorm & Trevor, a T Man Production 2009 - 2022

Hello it's Trevor once again, sharing our monthly tale. Since it is both Arthritis and Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the US, we thought this would be a great time to share the essence of Brenda's passions when it comes to advocacy issues. Brenda has now been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 28 years. Her journey of becoming a brain tumor survivor began on September 8, 2008, almost 11 years ago. Brenda has found over the years, that the 2 continue to mesh and cannot be separated. Her becoming a brain tumor survivor, opened a whole new world for her. She became a writer and this blog became a reality, almost 10 years ago. I came along in 2011, as her storyteller. Brenda not only became creative, but found her voice. I think it was there all the time, but was hiding deep inside. They say that your inner strength is deep down inside of you. Reaching for that strength, can be one of the greatest things, you will ever do. Brenda was actually told in college, that she cou...

Hello it's Trevor, pawnouncing our "BARK OF THE MONTH" for April. This is a special story about a bond, between Renee B. and her sweet Greyhound, named Blanca. Her eyes are beautiful and we will be sharing a photo of her at the end. Congrats, to our "BARK OF THE MONTH" recipient, Blanca, an Italian Greyhound. The following, is that pawmazing story by Renee. BOL So, Blanca came to me from a lady in Nebraska. I had driven up to get Rocky, my other Greyhound, at the end of January. When Blanca was the appropriate age to be weaned, she came to Orlando. Blanca was flourishing and when she turned 4 months old, she somehow ingested a tiny wire (like the kind on a bread bag tie). Well, this wire somehow got lodged in her duodenum. Blanca wasn't eating much and was still so tiny. She had to have the wire surgically removed, at the same time, they had to do a partial duodenectomy. I was impressed by how STRONG Blanca is. VERY. Well, we made it to the 9 month mar...

Hello my fellow readers! Trevor here, with our monthly tale. This time folks, it's a serious one from the heart. Make that Brenda's, as she has been bending my golden ear. BOL As you know, Brenda had a craniotomy performed on September 8, 2008, to remove a right frontal lobe nonmalignant meningioma brain tumor. It has been said that brain surgery equals brain injury. In this case, an acquired brain injury. What that is folks, is something that happened as the brain was injured. After all, they did use a Midas drill on her head, to open the bone flap, so they could get to the tumor. It was fairly easy to get at, and they were able to remove it ALL, in one piece. While that was a relief, this journey was just beginning. Brenda felt that after she had this removed, that her life would go on, as if nothing had happened. That is far from the truth. This tale is all about confessions. Brenda thought it was high time, that you hear about some of the things she has gone through. ...

Hello my friends, it's Trevor with our monthly tale. We meant to get this out by last weekend. As you know, Brenda had her second shingrix vaccine last Thursday and has not been doing so great since. It has been an irritating experience for sure. She again, got a rash, but much quicker and more painful this time. Her nausea started the next morning and with her painful arm, it was too much to handle by the afternoon, that she ended up leaving early from work. She went home to rest. This was to be the day to celebrate her becoming a 10½ year brain tumor survivor. Brenda did a few things when she got home, went to bed and didn't even have dinner that evening. She was that exhausted. So much for celebrating! This being Brain Injury Awareness Month, irritability has been a constant reminder for Brenda, because of frontal lobe syndrome. It's considered an acquired brain injury. In Brenda's case from having had her brain tumor removed. She also has had two concussions or ...

Hi Trevor here, with our special pawnouncement this month. We are unveiling our 2nd "BARK OF THE MONTH" recipient, that we think you should know more about. Brenda connected with Lisa Z. on Facebook, who has become a dear friend. Lisa lives with Chronic Variable Immune Deficiency or (CVID). It means that her immune system attacks itself. Very serious stuff here... folks. Lisa uses humor to cope and Brenda thinks she is a riot. As you know, Brenda loves dogs and Lisa posted about an arthritic Yorkie who had been surrendered to the Warwick Valley Humane Society in Warwick, NY. Before I go on, Lisa was kind enough to share her story with us. These are her words, which I will change a bit in my special dog lingo. BOL Lisa sought out this dog, because it was an arthritic. I think that is pawmazing! As mentioned above, this dog was surrendered because of that reason. Lisa describes his challenges. "He had luxating patellas. His knees popped in and out. He was bow legged....

Hello my friends, Trevor here with our first post of the month. Today is Groundhog Day and no, he did not see his shadow. Brenda on the other hand, received wonderful news that her biologic has been approved for another year. What a weight has been lifted, from her shoulders. Thanks for sending out all of the positive energy. Continuing with our tale. On February 13, 2011, my paws hit the keyboard for the first time... composing the first of many tales, which has now been, almost 8 years. By now, you've probably figured out who the Golden Storyteller is. BOL Being able to bring these tales to life, for almost 8 years, has truly been a pleasure and honor. Brenda and I are a team, spreading awareness any chance we get. I've worn many hats, during those years. I became a mascot for some special kids and teens who live with Juvenile Arthritis or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. I've been featured in several Tumors Suck videos. I helped Brenda with my Barks of Gold and was a...

Hello my fellow readers! It's Trevor pawnouncing our very first ever "BARK OF THE MONTH" recipient. Each month, we will feature one canine, deserving of this honor. So put your paws together and wait for it! BOL It is with great pleasure that we pawnounce this month's "BARK OF THE MONTH" the pawmazing Reser. You may have seen him hanging around, with his golden bros ParkerPup and little Gill. Reser is a 5 year old male golden retriever. He is one of 3,000 enrolled in the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a groundbreaking study that should provide some insight into cancer in dogs. For golden retrievers this is especially important, as they are at a higher risk for developing cancer. Reser is truly a golden hero in our eyes. He also works alongside Parker to help raise awareness. I got some of this info, from the back of  Parker's calendar. BOL Brenda has been getting those every year, since she started following his page on Fac...