My Husband, My Hero

On November 3, my husband had a grand mal seizure at work and was rushed to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a meningioma. After being told by three different neurologists/neurosurgeons that they are usually benign, his turned out to be a grade 3. 

He had the usual course of treatment — total gross resection and seven weeks of radiation. He was good for a year, and then in April 2022, four more grew back. After another six weeks of radiation ending in November, he had another major seizure and was back in Neuro ICU. Each ICU visit brought more seizure medication to his daily med regime. A trial of Abemaciclib also did not bring any positive results. The tumors continue to grow and multiply. After another seizure and ICU visit on NYE, the MRI results showed how truly aggressive this cancer is.

Through all of the fighting, research, and trials, one thing that stands out is that you need a tribe to navigate this diagnosis. We happen to have the best. As a cardio-oncology nurse myself, I see firsthand how devastating having a brain cancer diagnosis can be. I never imagined I would be in the fight myself as a caregiver. From our family and friends who sit with him, bring food, or send well wishes to our care team both at MSK and now Ascend Hospice, we couldn’t be more fortunate to have the tribe that we do.

Our team will be walking this May 11 in honor of my husband, who has fought so bravely through this brain tumor diagnosis. There needs to be more research and more funding to support those who are diagnosed with an often devastating diagnosis. Caregiver support is crucial to navigating the ins and outs of treatment and advocacy for their loved ones. Most importantly, we need a cure and, at the very least, better treatment options.

TAGGED WITH: meningioma

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.