Avid photographer Debra Thiem says her “Puyallup Valley Daffodil Field” series corresponds eerily with the seasons in her life. For the past few years, she has battled several health problems, including a brain tumor.

“There’s a photo of a barren field, which I took when I was going through the most trying time with my health. Another day I had to run home to get my camera when I saw the field shrouded in fog—that happened on a day I when wondered if there was anything out there, if I’d make it through. Then…the Spring, with its growth and new life.”

An active 52-year-old from Puyallup, Debra was shocked to learn three years ago that she had a mass in her brain. In fact, the tumor wasn’t causing any trouble—doctors discovered it during testing for something else.

Though it was benign, there was a chance that the tumor could become cancerous. Neurosurgeon Richard N. W. Wohns monitored Debra’s mass with regular MRIs. When it started to grow, he talked to Debra about her options and referred her for further consultation with Radiation Oncologist Randy D. Sorum, MD.

Debra had a choice to make: let nature take its course and continue to monitor changes along the way, or have brain surgery now. The tumor’s location made traditional surgery too risky, but Debra was a prime candidate for surgery with the just-installed Gamma Knife—also known as “brain surgery without a scalpel.”

“That first day, Dr. Sorum told me that he would stay with me until all my questions had been answered, and he did. He sent me away to think about it, but I just told them to sign me up. I knew I was in good hands.”

Early in the morning on November 1, 2005, Debra arrived at South Sound Gamma Knife and prepared to be the facility’s first patient. Later the same day, she went home. She says her headaches are all but gone. Her first post-op MRI came back with excellent news: The tumor has stopped growing.

“The way I see it is, you can sit here and be scared and think ‘why me?’ or you can realize how blessed we are to have this amazing technology and wonderful staff. The care I received made the procedure very comfortable before, during and after. It’s been a smooth recovery. And now, my life is getting back to normal.”