Brain Tumor Patient Stories
Beating the Odds Again: A Young Woman's Battle Against Metastatic Brain Tumors
Eloise Orr had already beat cancer -- twice. But even a mastectomy and radiation did not stop breast cancer from spreading to her brain. Eloise, an ambitious college student, was determined to not let cancer interrupt her plans. With innovative surgical care from our Brain Tumor Center experts, she bravely fought the recurring malignancy and beat the odds once again.
Multidisciplinary Approach Shrinks Glioma, Elevates Quality of Life
Bruce Davis came to the University of Chicago Medicine after learning he had a lesion on his brain stem. Our neuroscience team diagnosed an astrocytoma and created an aggressive treatment plan to shrink the glioma. Today, the tumor is 60 percent smaller and most of Davis’ symptoms have disappeared. Davis says the team “saved my life and my sanity and added to the quality of my life.”
Brain Tumor Surgery Restores Movement in Limbs: Functional MRI Guidance Enhances Surgical Precision
Without warning, Vaughn Atkins experienced a seizure, followed by loss of movement in his right arm and leg. Doctors identified the cause as a benign tumor, called a meningioma, in his brain. Research led Vaughn, an active youth basketball coach, to the University of Chicago Medicine. Our experts used functional imaging to pinpoint critical anatomy surrounding the tumor, avoiding damage to Vaughn’s motor function as the tumor was safely removed. Vaughn even regained the movement he lost, returning to the coach’s bench a few months after surgery.
Woman Doesn't Let Brain Tumor Surgery Slow Her Down
When an MRI revealed a meningioma at the base of Ann Barth's skull, she sought help from experts at the University of Chicago Brain Tumor Center. Five weeks after the tumor was completely removed, Ann returned to her job and her life with renewed energy.
30-Year Treatment an Inspiring Show of Faith
Iona Williams marked her 30th year as a patient at the University of Chicago Medicine in 2011. Doctors were unable to identify the cause of her headaches -- until she arrived here in 1982. Under the surgical care of our experts, Iona no longer experiences the severe pain once caused by a benign epidermoid tumor at the base of her brain. She attributes her longevity to her faith and her surgeons.
Awake Craniotomy: Confronting Brain Surgery with Open Eyes
Initially, Anna Litchfield wasn't sure she could handle an awake craniotomy -- a complex procedures typically used to remove tumors nestled close to functional areas of the brain. Because the patient is awake during the procedure, a neurologist can continuously monitor language, motor and sensory function to make sure critical parts of the brain suffer minimal damage. However, Anna overcame her fear, and decided to have the procedure. As a result, the surgical team believes she avoided critical damage that she may have experienced during a traditional procedure.
Complex Surgery to Remove Tumor Restores Vision
Diane Maciorowski was shocked when an MRI scan revealed a tangerine-sized meningioma at the base of her brain. Located in a nearly inaccessible region abutting crucial nerves and blood vessels, the skilled and experienced team lead by Dr. Awad removed the growth with minimal side effects.
