I was a just a young, 20-year-old in college student when the symptoms began. In early November 2005, I started having bad headaches and dizzy spells, and my ears became sensitive to sound. My local physician ordered an MRI and EKG.

On Dec. 16, I met with a neurologist to get the results. He told me I had a brain tumor and would need surgery to remove it. Later that afternoon, I met with the surgeon. He explained everything and...