Izzy's Journey

I had always been an active and healthy individual with no prior medical history until a seizure sent me to the hospital on July 7, 2016. After a quick scan they saw that there was a golf ball sized mass in my brain and unfortunately there was no way of determining what it was without surgery. So I had my first of four brain surgeries that weekend. After a five hour surgery and about 10 days of recovery I was sent home to continue the recovery process; and then in early August I had my follow up appointment to discuss the results of the biopsy and the diagnosis: Glioblastoma Multiforme grade IV (the most advanced stage of the most aggressive brain cancer there currently is), the prognosis: two months to live. After receiving that crushing blow my family and I sought out the best care we could find, but unfortunately I was turned away from MD Anderson due to high demand at the time. Fortunately, God opened doors for me that same week at Memorial Hermann with a plethora of doctors who not only specialize in cancer but in my exact diagnosis! After meeting my new team or doctors they concurred with the pathology report and the plan of action was set into place: 6 weeks of radiation (Monday-Friday) and triple-chemotherapy (every two weeks). Those “projected two months of expected life” came and went and I was able to go through a full year of the chemo treatments with no side effects! After every follow up I had with my neuro oncologist he was amazed by my bloodwork and the fact that I was still able to  work full time. Although I had my ups and downs in the past few years requiring a Gamma Knife radiation procedure and a second round of triple chemo (for six months); God’s hand is truly on my life and it was evident then and now as I just celebrated my four year anniversary! However, I had become accustomed to constantly receiving good news on my follow ups that I became complacent in my diet and lifestyle and unfortunately my most recent scan showed a new spot that was not there before. After discussion with the tumor board and my family we are currently going to be moving forward with a second Gamma Knife Radiation procedure and a third round of triple chemo that has yet to be scheduled. I am rooted in my faith and trust in God that he will see me through this, more good news to come!