I would like to share my journey, in hopes it starts conversations, creates awareness, and possibly helps someone else.
I was having a vision issue. I was seeing prism/kaleidoscope shapes and I had no peripheral vision on the right. I waited a day to see if it would go away. Next morning, I woke up, still had the issues. I thought… the joys of being in your 50’s, UGH!!
I contacted my ophthalmologist & saw him the following day. He checked my eyes & everything seemed OK. Still concerned about my lack of peripheral vision, he had me come back the next day to do a field vision study. Well, it was an epic fail. He said, “I don’t want you to freak out, but I think you have a tumor. I need you to get an MRI as soon as possible.” WHAT??!!
I had an MRI 2 days later. A couple of hours after the MRI, I received a call from my PCP and she said, “Michelle, I don’t know how to tell you this, but I need you to go to the ER right away. I have already contacted North Shore University Hospital at Northwell, and the head of Neurology is waiting for you.” Again… WHAT??!!
All along I had been feeling fine. Occasional headaches, but doesn’t everyone get those? But I was still having that weird vision issue.
After another MRI at the hospital, I was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (brain cancer) on October 23, 2021. The tumor was located in my left occipital lobe. I had a craniotomy (literally brain surgery) to remove an apricot sized tumor.
The surgery was a success. I had a total gross total resection (which means 100% of the visible tumor was removed). In addition, I am also participating in a trial (I received intraoperative radiation in the area where the tumor was removed, at the end of my surgery).
In the beginning of November, I started 6 weeks of radiation (30 treatments) and chemo (42 doses).
On January 13, 2022, I completed radiation & rang the gong.
I followed up with 6 rounds of chemo and an infusion of Avastin every other week.
There are words in my vocabulary now that I never knew before. LOL
I’m feeling pretty good. More tired than usual, but that’s to be expected.
I am so fortunate to have the most phenomenal care team: Dr. Michael Schulder, Dr. Raj Narayan, Dr. Anuj Goenka, Dr. Deborah Gruber, and Renju Thomas. They are compassionate, caring, and extraordinary doctors.
My amazing husband Steve has been by my side from the start. He has schlepped me to every appointment & treatment. I am forever grateful for my wonderful family & friends. I would not be this far in my journey without all the love, support, prayers & laughter.
Laughter truly is the best medicine. I am beyond blessed.