Hi Laura I did not know anything about schwannomas or ependymomas so I googled both. That is a lot to handle for anyone, let alone a young woman as yourself. To most people, particularly family and friends of patients, cancer is frightening. Your parents may be keeping calm and low key with you thinking this will help you cope. Openness with questions and discussion would be a good way to go, I believe. Ask them if they realise how serious this is, as you do. Tell them you need to talk about it, not tip-toe around the subject. Ask them to be strong for you because you need their support so much right now. Some people may be a wonderful help; some not at all. It is sad when your closest cannot help you, but doubly frustrating for you if you look for help from those who are unable. You are in a good place on this website for support. Another I have found helpful is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/45891977828/ (Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer) I am glad your hearing is still so very good and I hope it stays that way. I suffered noise deafness as a teen and all my life and now have bilateral cochlear implants. In good conditions I hear 100%. Sending warm hugs of strength and comfort, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Laura believe me it's going to get worse before it even starts to look like it's getting better. I have inoperable pancreatic cancer & have been fighting it for a year now & when it starts to look good suddenly something goes wrong & I feel like I've taken a lot of backward steps. You just have to hang in there & fight with all you can give. I have a friend in Vic that I met through this site & he has a similiar problem with his spine as you but his isn't cancerous. I will have to tell KJ about you as you both have something in common. KJ & I are friends outside of this site now & have become close buddies. We both have the same cancer but he has been able to have a whipple whereas I can't. Again if you want to PM me please go ahead, it always seems to help more when you have someone you can talk to or vent & you will eventually find you will be doing a lot of venting. Maz ... View more

Hi Laura, I'm from WA too. I have just done a google search on your condition & at least it is a fairly common occurrence & treatable. Where in WA are you & what treatment has your oncologist started you on? It will be hard being so young & being diagnosed with cancer but as I said from what I have read yours is common & treatable so hopefully soon for you it will all just be a thing of the past & you can get on with your life & finish school. This is a good site where everyone helps everyone in what ever capacity they are able to so make the most of it. If you want to talk just send me a private message. Maz ... View more