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In Tribute—Patient StoriesWe hope that these stories will provide strength, comfort and hope to others battling brain cancer. While some may be about someone who lost the battle, we feel that you will be inspired by the incredible courage and grace these individuals showed in the face of this terrible cancer. If you would like to submit a story, please e-mail it along with a picture to selfoundation@aol.com. Susan E. Lusty—A Story of Grace
Thirty-three rounds of radiation followed and then chemotherapy. Susan continued to work throughout her treatments, even when she was no longer able to drive herself to the office. She continued to be an inspiration to the 4 women who worked with her, publishing medical journals for doctors and physician assistants. She never once complained about her plight. In fact, when asked if she ever wondered “Why me?” Susan replied “If not me, than who? I’d rather it be me going through this than anyone else.” By November, the tumor had returned and Susan again endured a craniotomy to remove the mass. She continued on chemotherapy, but to no avail. Her third and final surgery was in April of 2003. A few days before, I had the wonderful opportunity of spending the day with her. It was a day filled with tears, hugs, and reminiscing. It was also the day that Mom said she wanted to start a foundation to help others stricken with GBM. I remember being so in awe of her. With everything she had gone through, she had never stopped wanting to help others. Her selflessness was inspiring and unbelievable at the same time. Unfortunately, the third surgery did a considerable amount of damage to Susan’s brain and she slipped into a coma a few weeks later. Mom hung on for quite some time considering her condition, and we came to realize why. She was waiting to hear that a foundation had been established and that we were going to help others who were battling brain cancer. On May 14, 2003, the morning after the Susan E. Lusty Glioblastoma Foundation was established as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, my beautiful mother died peacefully in her sleep. She may not be with us physically, but her spirit lives on in this Foundation and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. —Leigh Anne Tibak Susan Cross—a Story of Survival
Hi, my name is Susan Cross and I am a brain tumor survivor. "You have a brain tumor" is not something you ever expect to hear your doctor say. At first, I couldn't believe my ears, but at the same time, it made perfect sense. I felt like I just found the missing piece of a puzzle, a complicated puzzle that began two years prior. I had experienced dizzy spells and dull headaches but had attributed them to my allergies. It was when my vision became affected that I realized it might be more serious. I was sent for an MRI which revealed a large, 7 cm brain tumor. I immediately knew that I had to go to Memorial Sloan-Kettering. I was fortunate to be able to get an appointment with Dr. Gutin within a week. Not knowing whether it was cancerous or not, Dr. Gutin felt that the best thing to do was to just go in and remove as much of it as possible. Dr. Gutin performed surgery three weeks later. The surgery was successful and he was able to remove the entire tumor. Unfortunately, the pathology report showed that it was a glioblastoma. I underwent radiation and took oral chemotherapy for 14 months. In January 2007, my neuroncologist decided that I could stop taking chemotherapy as I had been tumor-free for 15 months! I am so glad to say that I have returned to living a normal life. But after beating cancer, life will never be normal again. I appreciate every single day. The intangible things in life, like the love of my husband, family, and friends, are more precious to me than ever before. I believe that it is not by accident or luck, but because of the expert staff at MSKCC, and by the grace of God, that I have been blessed with the best possible outcome. So many are not as fortunate. Please help us make a difference in other patients’ lives and continue to support the Foundation. —Susan Cross Keith Strathman—a Valiant Fight
Keith did very well until July of 2006. Unfortunately radiation necrosis began to destroy some brain cells and caused short term memory loss. Even with this, he enjoyed life and continued his treatment. In October of 2006 he started developing multiple sinus infections as a result of his sinus cavity being disturbed during his original surgery the prior year. With the infection not responding well to antibiotics, and not being able to continue his drug therapy, a new tumor developed on his left side which ultimately ended in his death. We really believe if he had not had the sinus complications he would be doing fine because he had so many clear MRI's while on this regimen of treatment. We know there is HOPE for all of you recently diagnosed. Fight hard, pray, trust in the Lord, and never give up! Feel free to contact me if you would like to talk to someone who has been there, at jstrathman@carsoncomm.com or talk to Leigh Anne. She has helped me and is a great comfort in my time of need. God Bless, |
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In
July of 2002, my Mom, Susan Lusty, R.N. went to the doctor because of a
debilitating headache that she had had for a few days. She was immediately sent
for an MRI which revealed a large, tennis-ball sized tumor in her left temporal
lobe. Eight days later, Susan underwent surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Incredibly, she was up
and about in less than a day and was able to go home 2 days after her surgery.
Our
son, Keith Strathman, 27 years, husband of Emily and father of 2 yr old John,
died Jan 8, 2007. In October of 2005 Keith experienced headaches and double
vision. An MRI, then surgery with removal of his right frontal lobe revealed GBM,
Stage IV. He came out of surgery without and noticeable neurological or physical
changes. He had 6 weeks of radiation and entered a clinical trial of
chemotherapy treatment. His trial was Temodar along with Thalidomide. His
insurance only paid for 50% of oral medication so I, as his mother, went to work
to try to find help to pay for this very, very, expensive medication. Denial
followed denial until I was led to the SELFoundation by one of our congressmen
here in Kansas. Leigh Anne found a drug company that could save us 85% on the
medication. This enabled us to at least afford to continue with Keith's
treatment regimen.