This page is dedicated to helping my cousin Melissa and her family during this difficult time.
A bit about Melissa
-In 1993 Melissa was a young California girl of 13 years aspiring to be a tennis player, who developed focal seizures.
- these seizures landed her in Hoag Memorial Hospital, where a Stereotactic biopsy exposed a malignant glioma brain tumor.
- The treatment that followed was: stereotactic radiosurgery, then conventional resection,
radiation and chemo
- In 2000 having recovered to 90% from the many physical, psychological and developmental setbacks resulting from the malignant tumor and its resection, moved to Virginia Beach,VA.
- In 2012 she started working for a neurosurgical specialist medical office, working her way up to a records intake employee at that time free of any seizures or any indications of recurring tumors.
- In mid 2024, Melissa started developing focal seizures, which increased in frequency and intensity leading to debilitating epilepsy, where changes in temperature, emotions, stress, fatigue caused episodes.
- The increased seizures was treated with medications and MRIs. The MRI series indicated a mass in the left frontal lobe and the mass was increasing in size.
- on November 21, 2024 Melissa underwent a craniotomy to biopsy and remove the tumor. In the process removing scar tissue and locating an existing brain bleed which was resolved. Also during the procedure Melissa appears to have suffered a stroke.
- The stroke has caused paralysis of the right arm and leg. And greatly diminished her receptive and expressive language abilities.
- The initial pathology report indicated Diffuse Glioma Tissue. We are awaiting final path report to determine further needed treatment. These results are expected any day
- The medications, MRIs, ambulance services to hospital, surgeries, ICU, hospital rooms, specialist, in-patient rehabilitation facilities (acute and nonacute), with Therapy team’s recently suggesting 24/7 home care or extended nonacute care upon release from current in-patient placement. All this, plus future treatments could result in financial insolvency for Melissa.
She is an incredible loving woman, anything helps.
(Graphic photo below)
Update: 12/15/24
To date Melissa’s attitude and determination remain positive and unrelenting. In large part as
due to the community’s overwhelming support, well wishes and prayers. Recovery from the negative aspects resulting of the surgery, paralysis, speech deficits and almost daily seizures is agonizingly slow. We are grateful to report that small gains are being experienced. Melissa is
being moved to a new facility 12/18. We continue to wait for the final pathology report and subsequent treatments. Love and appreciation from Melissa ♥️
