Actor Barton Cowperthwaite, who starred in the hit Netflix show “Tiny Pretty Things,” revealed in a heartbreaking Instagram post on November 10 that he has been diagnosed with at least a stage 2 cancerous glioma. The 31-year-old shared that the brain cancer is a result of a “fairly decent sized brain tumor,” and that the cells originated in the brain, indicating that the cancer has not spread from any other part of his body.
In his Instagram post, Cowperthwaite opened up about the only course of treatment for his diagnosis, which is brain surgery. He expressed confidence in his doctors’ ability to remove most of the tumor and shared his hope for successful operation and subsequent rehabilitation. The actor also revealed that scans and check-ups will likely become a routine part of his life going forward.
“My family and I are taking several days to get second opinions. Planning to go into surgery middle or end of next week. I’ll do my best to be open about the journey on here. I am planning on fully bouncing back to be better than my former glory! Please feel free to reach out and I’ll do my best to stay connected with as many people as I can,” he wrote in the post.
Despite the difficult news, Cowperthwaite signed off with “All my love,” and included a blue heart emoji, as well as three photos. In one of the photos, the actor smiled in a hospital gown, while in the other two shots he showed his brain scans.
Glioma is a growth of cells that starts in the brain or spinal cord, eventually forming into a tumor. Approximately 33% of all brain tumors are gliomas, with various types that may be considered cancerous or benign.
Common symptoms of gliomas include headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, memory loss, personality changes, weakness in limbs, numbness, vision problems, speech difficulties, and seizures. In a follow-up video, Cowperthwaite shared that he has experienced “several seizures” over the past eight weeks, which led to a visit to the emergency room and subsequent discovery of a “lemon-sized” glioma in his right frontal lobe.
Treatment for gliomas may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Surgery is often the initial treatment option, followed by additional therapies based on the tumor’s location and potential symptoms.
Cowperthwaite’s candid revelation has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. Despite facing a challenging journey ahead, the actor remains determined to bounce back and continue to share his experience with others.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com.