Jasmine shares her story of being diagnosed with epilepsy. Her experiences of biopsy surgery and why she started the Seize The Day Foundation.

Can you tell us about when you started having seizures and how did you feel?

The first seizure I had was a tonic-clonic seizure in my sleep. Once I woke up, I remember my husband was beside me and was very calmly asking me if I were okay and if I could answer him or try to get up.

I had lost total control of my body and couldn’t speak but was able to make some sounds.

When this was happening, I didn’t feel any pain, but I was just very confused and felt like I was having or was stuck in a dream. This went on for about 20 minutes.

My husband took me to the hospital that night and we learned it was because of a large tumour in my brain. After being cured from tonic-clonic seizures from medication, I did still have focal seizures.

At first it was a very strange feeling that was hard to describe and very overwhelming as I felt every time they happened, I had no control of my brain and body.

As uncomfortable and uneasy as they felt, with time, I learned that for now I couldn’t stop them so the best thing I could do was accommodate and alter my life around them and try my best to stay as optimistic and positive as I could.

How did you feel when the doctors said you had a large tumour on the left side of your brain?

Weeks before this, I was already beginning to feel very off, very lightheaded and like I had no energy.

When I had a tonic-clonic seizure and was in the hospital, I had numerous tests and I did suspect I had something, however I never thought it would be anything like a tumour, let alone a very large one.

That was of course very shocking. One thing that I think was especially important was that before I was told about the tumour, my Neurosurgeon had spent hours reviewing the tests.

When he first told me about the tumour, and that it was the reason I was having seizures, he also informed me about some different options and solutions.

Of course, I was shocked to hear about this but after a few days it started to make sense as I now understood why I was feeling so abnormal and now knew what had caused the seizure.

How did you feel going for biopsy surgery and can you tell us the process that led to the surgery?

I felt very excited and optimistic about the biopsy surgery because medication did cure my tonic-clonic seizures but having the tumour still resulted in focal seizures.

I had one of the most incredible Neurosurgeons. He was experienced and provided the necessary information with the best communication.

He told me how the biopsy surgery, where they remove a small part, was important to further understand more about the tumour and how it would get us closer to finding a permanent solution or a cure.

I remember waking up from my biopsy surgery a few hours later and feeling quite good. After being evaluated I was medically approved to go home the very next day.

Why did you decide to start the Seize The Day Foundation?

When I first started going through this journey, I remember feeling like epilepsy and seizures were rare as I personally didn’t know anyone else experiencing them, or know much information about them.

But I very quickly started to learn more about this from my Neurosurgeons and from going through my own experience.

I was shocked to learn that 50,000 people just in British Columbia were either living with or experiencing epilepsy and/or seizures and how versatile and different everyone’s situation was.

This instantly made spreading information and awareness important to me and encouraged me to share my personal story to help provide support to anyone else going through epilepsy and/or seizures.

It is also very important to me to provide hope that regardless of what anyone may be going through, there is a lot of support out there and that it may take time but there can be treatments and cures available.

What are your goals and hopes for the Foundation?

My goals and hopes for my Foundation are to help spread information and awareness because epilepsy and/or seizures do happen to more people than we think, and it is important for them to feel comfortable and supported.

My heart goes out to anyone experiencing or living with this as it is not something we choose, and it can be incredibly challenging and difficult.

I also don’t want anyone to feel isolated or alone or that they must hide or be ashamed of going through this.

I share my story to help provide hope and encouragement to anyone going through this, as well as for those who may know someone going through this, that there are a lot of treatments out there and that hospitals are getting closer to finding new cures.

What would you say to others who have been recently diagnosed with epilepsy?

I would say that I completely understand how hard, challenging and life changing it can be but to try your best to stay strong.

Mind over matter is something I strongly believe in and something that really got me through.

It is so important to be kind to yourself and know that although it may require many changes, life can still be lived to the fullest with enjoyment and purpose.

I know every situation is different, but I want everyone to have courage in themselves and know that they can get through.

Big or small, try your best to do one thing that helps you seize the day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you would like to support others by sharing your story and help to spread information and awareness about epilepsy and/or seizures, please email seizethedayfoundation@gmail.com

No matter what you are going through, remember you are not alone and always try your best to Seize The Day.