On June 22, 2020 I had brain surgery to remove a tumor the size of a grape just above my left ear. During the 5 hour surgery, my amazing neurosurgeon was able to remove the entire tumor. Post surgery I stayed in the hospital for 5 day (2 days in ICU) until I was discharged to continue my recovery at home. After the pathology report came back showing cancer, I began the Standard of Care (SOC) protocol which is what most brain cancer patients go through. This protocol has been in place for decades without much change. It consists of 6 weeks of radiation and a year of chemotherapy. After that, it is mostly periodic MRI scans to monitor the activity around the tumor site.

I am so grateful for the amazing doctors and support staff I have had over the past 3 years. I am working to make a change in the treatments and care for brain cancer patients to give patients and their caregivers things that I didn't have and advance the protocols for brain cancer. 

I have been involved in 2 studies - one for CBT-1 (cognitive behavioral therapy) for sleep habits of brain cancer patients and the other to help develop a protocol for patients who have a fear of cancer recurrence.  I am currently a mentor for other brain cancer patients .  

I have also completed training to be a Patient Advocate for cancer patients.  I can now help with clinical trials, review boards and other areas where there is a need for advocates. 

I hope my contributions will help other patients but there is more we can do.

Please consider helping me in my crusade to advance care for brain cancer. I would love to have you join my team and participate in the 5k Walk/Run. Or feel free to donate using the donate button.

Any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

More Information:

Team Name:  Brains of Glory

5k Race: Sunday November 3, 2024