My mother was diagnosed on 2/14/01 and passed away on 7/25/01. She didn't live long after the diagnosis. She never drank any diet drinks. Actually, when we went to see her oncologist, he told us that hot dogs were believed to be linked to this type brain tumor. Realistically speaking, I don't think we'll ever know what causes this type disease. There are so many studies, but no facts. I'm sorry about your loss.