Title: Oklahoma Woman Diagnosed with Rare and Aggressive Brain Cancer Faces Uncertain Future
Subtitle: Jennifer McMillan’s journey highlights the challenges of glioblastoma and the importance of raising awareness
Date: [Insert Date]
Springtime in Oklahoma City can be stormy, so it wasn’t unusual for Jennifer McMillan to experience headaches in early March. However, what began as a routine weather-induced ache soon escalated into something far more serious. McMillan, a 50-year-old mother of four, experienced worsening headaches that persisted for three weeks before other alarming symptoms began to manifest.
On a Sunday in late March, McMillan unexpectedly fell and broke a couple of ribs, believing it to be a result of a simple trip. However, her family noticed something more concerning – her sudden despondency and lack of presence. The next day, as she struggled to get ready for work and began vomiting, she knew it was time to seek medical help.
A CT scan revealed a mass on McMillan’s brain, leading to immediate surgery on April 3 to remove as much of it as possible. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the devastating diagnosis: glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. Glioblastoma affects individuals of all ages and comes with a grim prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of only 7%.
Glioblastoma is known to have diverse symptoms depending on the tumor’s location in the brain. The National Brain Tumor Society estimates that more than 14,000 Americans will be diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023 alone.
For McMillan, the diagnosis came as a shock. Although she had dealt with a benign salivary gland tumor as a child, medical professionals haven’t linked the two conditions. Ironically, her previous experience with tumor-related treatments as a radiation oncology professional only added to the disbelief.
In her battle against glioblastoma, McMillan has endured 30 radiation treatments over six weeks, chemotherapy medication, and is participating in a clinical trial testing an anti-cancer drug called OKN-007. Additionally, she plans to utilize Optune, a cap-like medical device that delivers low-dose electrical current to her brain.
Glioblastoma poses challenges to treatment due to its ability to infiltrate the brain, making complete removal nearly impossible. As a result, cognitive and physical functions can be severely affected. McMillan has experienced brain swelling and fatigue as side effects of her treatments, which have necessitated adjustments in her daily life and the support of her family.
Despite her background in the oncology field, McMillan admits feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of her diagnosis. She empathizes with patients who are unfamiliar with the healthcare system and are faced with the same bewildering journey.
For now, McMillan’s focus is on maintaining stability through treatments and keeping herself physically strong. She hopes to raise awareness about glioblastoma, underscoring the urgent need for research and improved treatment options for this devastating disease.
As McMillan fights the biggest battle of her life, she cherishes the moments spent with her family and tries to make the most of every day. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength individuals like her exhibit in the face of uncertainty.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com.