Chamber

Pete Devlin

I am just beginning my writing career at 53 years old. I have a long career working in human services, including working for child protection, and working with foster families. In January 2023, just after starting my 29th year in that field, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and immediately went in for surgery. Thankfully, most of the tumor was removed and it was found to be benign. I had a clear MRI in August, and I am full of gratitude for that. When I got home from the hospital after eight days, I endured a two-month recovery. It was at the time that I discovered that I had lasting negative effects from the craniotomy. I am now dizzy to varying degrees all the time, I have no balance and no coordination, and as a result I walk with a cane. I have various vision issues that caused me to lose my ability to drive. There are other physical issues along with those. All these issues arose because the tumor had been growing in my cerebellum, which was damaged during the surgery. My neurosurgeon is aware of these problems and says they are probably not going to improve. These medical issues have caused me to stop working. I have not worked since January 19, 2023. Thankfully, family and friends have helped my son and I with food, bills, and household items. That resource has been steadily dwindling and I am without income. I do not qualify for unemployment because I cannot work. Our rent is now several months behind, and we are running very low on items like soap, dish soap, and other needed household items. I qualify for government assistance, and currently receive food stamps (thankfully) and Medicaid. We have been living well below the poverty line since my last paycheck in the beginning of February. Life has been very difficult. Prior to the tumor, besides working, I was attending college and earned my Master of Divinity ion Theology, and I had just started working on a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. Since the surgery, I have been dealing with the physical problems, but there are no mental problems. I am still able to think, process thoughts, etc. Since I have written many papers for school, I have discovered a love of doing research and of writing. I can type (obviously) and I can use a computer for a few hours at a time before resting, so I started writing. more…

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