Cancer Support For Melissa

On February 3, 2019 Melissa had a series of seizures which were caused by a bleed in her brain. It was later discovered that this bleed was caused by a tumor that had hemorrhaged. On February 15, 2019 she underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumor and a biopsy was completed in order to determine if it was cancerous.
Two weeks later the biopsy results came back that it was Glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. The grade of a tumor’s aggressiveness ranges from one being the lowest, to four being the highest, Melissa’s was diagnosed as a grade four. She recovered very well from her first surgery and was allowing her incision to heal before beginning chemotherapy and radiation.
The MRI two days before she was to begin radiation found another tumor had grown back in the six weeks since the first one was removed. Due to this, chemo and radiation were postponed and on April 16, 2019 Melissa underwent a second craniotomy to remove the tumor. The surgery went well and she is currently waiting the 4-6 weeks for her incision to heal again in order to begin chemo and radiation.
Melissa has been able to periodically go to work since her first craniotomy, and has also telecommuted from home. However, going back to work has to be cleared by her surgeon, who wants Melissa to remain at home for the time being to focus on recovery and healing. Glioblastoma is referred to by many as a beast, but Melissa is very strong, optimistic, and has always been a fighter. She very much misses work and everyone at Owen, and hopes to return as soon as she is able. For the time being we appreciate all of your support.