Optune: Navigating the Sad Realities of Brain Cancer Treatment

Living with brain cancer is an emotional rollercoaster. Every glimmer of good news seems to be overshadowed by a dark cloud of bad news. Just when I allowed myself a moment of relief, the reality of my condition came crashing down on me once again. Yesterday's meeting with my oncology team brought a mix of emotions. The MRI results showed a slight shrinkage of the tumor and no new lesions. It was a rare moment of happiness in this ongoing battle. But then, as if on cue, the dreaded Optune device entered the room.

For those unfamiliar with it, Optune is a medical marvel that the FDA has approved to deliver continuous therapy to the brain affected by GBM tumors. It consists of adhesive patches connected to a device and battery, worn on the scalp for eighteen hours a day, every day, for a year.

It's hard to articulate the wave of emotions that hit me at the sight of it. On one hand, it offers a glimmer of hope for extended life. On the other, it's a constant, tangible reminder of my illness. The thought of electrodes strapped to my head and a bulky backpack powering them fills me with despair.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful for the chance to have more time. Of course, I want to live, cherish moments with loved ones, and experience all life offers. But facing the reality of this treatment feels like a heavy burden. I am trying to stay strong, to keep fighting, but I feel like I'm teetering on the edge of a breakdown. This disease has robbed me of so much already, and now it demands even more of my strength and resilience. It's a heartbreaking realization; some days, it feels like I am losing the battle. "Stay strong and stay positive" always echo in my head (that's what everyone repeats to me daily). I don't want to sound ungrateful, but it's such a harsh reality that this is hard. I have to shave my head, wear this for eighteen hours, and one year. It's a hard pill to swallow.