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| Tamara Meza |
Tamara and David are the parents of darling 8-year-old Isaac. He is Tamara's miracle baby, her biggest fan, and her inspiration to keep her mind active and her body healthy (so she can keep up with him)!
Each of Tamara's 4 brain surgeries, and radiation treatments have introduced a new challenge to her. The difficult and long recovery process means re-learning the most common of tasks--such as walking, climbing stairs, driving, speaking, cooking, etc. She is persistent with her physical therapy, and has an inner motivation that surpasses her ailments. Tamara is proactive about her health, and has tried many non-conventional treatments from drastic diet changes, radical enzyme treatments, to even pumping Vitamin-C intravenously for hours a week into her blood. We believe the combination of these health approaches, her positive outlook on life, and most importantly the countless prayers that have been offered on her behalf, have all contributed to her ability to continue living an awesome life.
We love Tamara so much, and are grateful for the many people who have made such a difference in her life not only in monetary donations, but also in emotional support, babysitting her son, dropping nutritious meals to her home, praying for her, and much more. We will always be in debt to you, thank you for joining her army to battle against cancer.
(see below for more details)
Written by Rachel Tate, Tamara's sister
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A Detailed Timeline:
May 18th 2002: At age 27, Tamara was diagnosed with brain cancer. An immediate surgery was performed to remove the tumor. Her husband (David) quit his job and school, and they moved from Utah to Colorado so Tamara's parents could take care of her. Tamara had to re-learn Spanish.
Jun 2004: Tamara's dream came true, and she became pregnant!!! This was a huge surprise as she had not been able to get pregnant for over 5 years. Baby Isaac was born in March of 2005.
Sept 2005: When Isaac was only 6 months old, Tamara suffered a mini-stroke. Another tumor had grown in her brain and hemorrhaged. She was rushed to the emergency room for a second brain surgery. Doctors gave Tamara little hope.
Dec 2005: Three tumors had already begun to grow. Tamara searched for an alternative method of "treatment" (other than chemo and radiation) to allow her to keep her quality of life. She learned of a method created by Dr. Kelley & Dr. Gonzalez--which required her to take quite a few vitamins and medicines that were not covered by insurance. She continued that treatment for 3 years, and for the first 2 and a half years, her tumors did not grow at all. The latter 6 months, however, the tumors began to grow.
Dec 2008: Tamara had her third brain surgery to remove her tumors again. She spent Christmas in the hospital. Recovery from this surgery was especially hard as she had major balancing issues, and was not able to walk without the use of a wheelchair/walker/cane for about a year. Only a few weeks after her surgery, her home caught on fire, and she (& David & Isaac) had to move into a hotel for a few months while their home was repaired.May 2011: Unfortunately, the brain tumors once again returned and Tamara had a 4th surgery. This surgery was very complicated and she ended up slipping into a coma for the duration of 2 full days after the surgery. She amazingly recovered and continued to recover over the several months before she began a intensive radiation treatment with the hope that the cancer will not return again.
