Is this common for survivors?

General
1

I've posted on here several times about things I've been experiencing since my clipping, (craniotomy) on 6/26/12. Fortunately, I had a successful surgery and was back to work in 5 weeks.

I surprisingly wasn't that scared before my surgery and when it was over I really felt like I had been blessed and was never angry about it.

I don't know if it's because I had brain surgery or if anyone that's had a life threatening experience feels like this but I find that I'm much more laid back and sillier than I used to be. I don't get upset over things that used to bother me before and I find that I'm much more eager to do things that I was worried about people judging me for.

I'm laughing more at work even when I'm really really busy, I even put up silly quotes and pictures in my cubicle. I used to clean a lot on weekends and now I just want to go out and do something fun plus I'm getting another tattoo which is pretty big to most people but I just don't care because I really like it!

I'm just enjoying my life so much more and feel like I used to constrict myself before this happened. Is this typical for "survivors" ?

2

Funny that I was just thinking the same thing today...much more laid back, much less judgmental, and all around (at least I think) a better person. Not thrilled with what I went through to get here, but glad to be here. I am going to get a survivor ribbon tattoo...I have one on my left arm for my girlfriend who is a breast cancer survivor and I think a matching one on my right arm would look good. Let's just enjoy life!

3

Hum..I don't have a clue if its normal or not...but I LIKE IT !! Peace, Janet

4

I think we just "Get It" you know see the big picture a little clearer than most people. I do think our family members get it too. donna w

5

Hi Sue,

You're very lucky your surgeon told you all of this. I'm glad mine did a good job but he pretty much told me nothing of what to expect. I felt the same as you though....I was never what I would have considered "normal" before the surgery....lol, maybe that was a good thing. I think the only thing I have a problem with now is my grammer but I try just to laugh at my errors when I write.

I'm going to enjoy the way I feel now and hope it lasts. I'm happy for you as well! Just wish this is the way it would have worked out for everyone though.

6

thank you all for the replies and yes....let's just enjoy our life :)