Defiance and Transformation

At the age of 44 and in the height of my career, there it was. A GBM grade IV, and again 14 years later. A total of 42 months temodar and two full blasts of radiation therapy. At that time in 2002, there was nothing to provide a guide to this predicament so along the way, I wrote a book on the subject to offer hope driven by defiance, acceptance, and transformation. I used an amazing sickness team at UCLA and a wellness team to guide me through this maze and came out better at the other end. Most significantly I learned to participate and constantly seek solutions in the project of ME.

It is devastating to find yourself all alone when looking at the mirror wondering whereto the image has gone, your identity and self vanished; grief is an understatement. I had to create a new version 2.0, something better than where I had been so I leant on my experiences in leadership and having started businesses as my crutch. These anchoring moments are crucial and none comparable to another; they are highly personal and valuable. I urge you to find your anchors.

My heart goes out to all of you patients and caretakers; the reverberations of this trauma is extensive but you cannot give up. One person with a conviction is stronger than 100 with opinions so go and get yours. This is your story and don’t let a number alone create your hope.

TAGGED WITH: glioblastoma

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