Hell in the Head: My War with a Brain Tumor and Other Evil Things

by David Douglas Shannon

He got sucker-punched, blindsided with something that only happens to other people. Actor David Shannon had a brain tumor. It was called an Acoustic Neuroma. In late 2007, he had surgery to have it removed. All should have gone well. It didn't. Gradually over the next two years, Shannon made one disturbing discovery after another that left his acting career and his former life in ruin. Hell in the Head is his story. With a knack for story-telling, Shannon takes us along on his medical misadventure with irreverent wit. As he weaves his way through his newly found post-surgery world, he shares heart-rending losses and his dashed hopes for recovery as well as stories of achievement and inspiration. From learning the bitter truth to running a half marathon to meeting Crookedsmile and others facing the same ordeal, Shannon tells the good and the ugly with the same wry humor that will have you laughing and crying at the same time. In the end, after a three-year-ride on a rollercoaster of emotional chaos, he presents an advocacy for improved care and counseling for Acoustic Neuroma patients. Hell in the Head is a story of wit and inspiration for all readers and a must read for Acoustic Neuroma patients and "posties."

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2012

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know what the author went through on his journey and what he may or may not be going through. I had the same type of tumor but on the other side. After 3.5 years, you would think I would have adjusted by now! Nope. I struggle everyday from the post-surgery. I am glad I am reading this book. I am learning things that happened to me that no doctor has talked to me about.

[Hailey Liechty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book as major flow, style, editing and content issues. David Shannon would have benefitted from a good editor. That being said, it is an earnest book written to share and motivate a reader who is dealing with an acoustic neuroma diagnosis - either their own or a loved one's.
The author has had a lot of positive breaks throughout his recovery - yet his tone is rather helpless, full of self pity and very judgmental of LA and the people who live there. His angelic daughter deserves more praise!
I won't know until after my own surgery and recovery if this book was helpful or if it served as fuel for my over-active anxiety.
It would be great if, with the help of a good screen writer, Mr. Shannon gets another break and this book is optioned for a movie. Picture this: good looking, privileged, white fellow looses his looks, hearing and marbles and needs to navigate the world of public transportation, therapists and sports all while encountering strange/wonderful people and experiences ... wackiness ensues!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of the reviewers, I read this book because I had the same type of tumor as the author. I give this book 5 stars for the author’s description of living with a tumor and recovering from surgery and 3 stars for overall writing. I highly recommend this book for anyone facing an AN or for their loved ones to gain insight.

[Claire Snyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great read for me as an individual with a benign brain tumor (not an acoustic neuroma) seeking information on other people who had brain surgery for their tumors. Well written, easy to read and good 'insider' information but not too medical so that it was too overwhelming.
Thanks for making a scary topic seem more familiar. Your journey was a tough one and I thank you for sharing it.

[Holly]

I was diagnosed with my own gift of a rare brain tumor called a Acoustic Neuroma/ Vestibular Schwannoma. Being scared and overwhelmed, I chose this as well as many others to get other views. Much like other books I have read, the author is emotionally upset and negative at times. Theses are all feelings I can relate to. I'm not sure a book from this point of view can be particularly cheery. This gentleman tells it how it is, not always good. I needed to hear this. He offers advise and tells of his own struggles as a single middle aged man trying to survive a brain tumor and still remain independent. He also offers up the struggles that come when things do not go as planned. The doctors do not tell you much of anything so I think this is a must read for anyone diagnosed.