My Glioblastoma Story to Raise Awareness #GBMDay #Glioblastoma

The Worst Day of My Life

On a Wednesday evening, November 22, 2023, my life changed forever. I was in my office, studying statistics for my accelerated Criminal Administration degree. Suddenly, the words blurred, and I felt a rush of dread, with my heart racing and vision distorted. Descending to find my husband, I struggled with vertigo, feeling like I was on rough seas. Waking him, he sensed something was wrong. Reluctantly, I went to the ER, fearing a heart attack or stroke despite recent good health. Tests revealed a walnut-sized mass in my frontal lobe. Rushed to a cancer facility in Carmichael, an MRI confirmed a likely glioblastoma. A subsequent craniotomy confirmed the diagnosis: the deadliest and rarest of brain tumors.

Facts

According to the National Brain Tumor Society, Glioblastoma (GBM) stands as one of the most formidable and challenging cancers, known for its complexity, lethality, and resistance to treatment. In 2023, over 14,490 Americans received a diagnosis of GBM, comprising more than half of all primary malignant brain tumors. Tragically, more than 10,000 individuals in the United States lose their lives to glioblastoma each year. The prognosis is dire, with a five-year survival rate of only 6.9% and an average survival time of just 8 months. Despite decades of research, survival rates have seen little improvement since the 1920s when GBM was first documented. Only four drugs and one device have ever gained FDA approval specifically for GBM treatment, none significantly extending life beyond a few additional months. Typically diagnosed around age 65, GBM not only threatens life but also profoundly affects cognitive function, mood, behavior, and everyday activities, eroding independence and quality of life. Treatment costs compound the burden, often leading to severe financial strain for patients and their families.

Husband and Family

My husband is the most amazing, sensitive, strongest, funniest, brightest, and cutest man I have ever met. He has been my rock through this. My family and friends have all been the strength behind my fight. I could not have done this without them. I spent a total of seven days in the hospital, both before surgery and in recovery. My husband saw me every day. He held me, let me cry, listened to all my fears, and served as my sounding board for so long. When he needed a break, my family stepped in. People with glioblastoma are called warriors because we are constantly battling. However, the true strength behind our fight—the swords and shields—are our supporters: our spouses, family, and friends.

Work

I made a conscious decision to continue working while battling glioblastoma for several reasons. One of the main reasons was that I wanted to stay busy, keeping my mind occupied and maintaining a sense of normalcy. Additionally, I genuinely love what I do and have a deep passion for my work. I am fortunate to work for and with the best group of people anyone could ever ask for. They are kind, compassionate, and supportive. While many companies claim to be a “family,” very few embody those values. My company truly exemplifies the spirit of a family in every way. The camaraderie, support, and genuine care that permeate our workplace are unparalleled.

My colleagues are not just coworkers; they are my second family. They are the strength that propels me forward and enables me to fight this battle. Their unwavering support and understanding make all the difference in my journey. Each day, their encouragement and positivity fuel my determination to keep going, even on the toughest days. In my workplace, I find not only professional fulfillment but also a source of immense personal strength. I am deeply grateful for the love and encouragement I receive from my work family, and it inspires me to keep fighting, knowing I am not alone in this journey.

Perspective

Facing glioblastoma has not been the toughest part of my journey. What is truly challenging is seeing how it has affected my loved ones. It is accepting that my life has changed irreversibly, with my dreams and goals taking a different path. My career ambitions, once a focal point of joy and growth, now carry a sense of urgency to experience the things I love: the sea air, my mom's perfume, my husband's scent on the pillow, my nephew's mischievous grin, my sister's unique laugh, even my dog's feet. These simple joys, often taken for granted, now hold profound meaning. This experience has transformed me, grounding me spiritually and igniting a belief in something beyond this life. I live each day as if it is my last, embracing kindness, deeper connections, determination to make every moment count, and sharing my story through blogging and participating in outlets to raise awareness.