CHERYL B’s STORY (USA)

(A message sent to a newly-diagnosed person on an email discussion group.

Uploaded with permission.)

I was only 33 years old when I was diagnosed with the Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).

My two boys were only 1 and 3 years old. My GBM was located in my left temporal lobe.
Surgery removed it and I had radiation. Temodar was not FDA approved at
that time, so I did not even take chemo. They told me it would only add
three months to my short life. They told me I only had less than a year to
live.

It has now been 8 years! The best of my life! I have got to see my boys
grow, they are now 9 and 11 years old. I keep telling the doctors that I am
going to beat the battle with brain cancer.

The GBM did come back two times. In 2004 and 2007. Each time it came back,
I went through surgery and took Temodar. I am still on Temodar after my
2007 surgery. I plan on staying on it as long as my body can handle it. I
take 330mg 5 days on 23 days off.

I'm glad you have found this group [an email discussion group]. A wonderful group of people that are
hear for each other. They are the only ones who know what it feels like
going though all of this. I know what you mean by feeling alone. I do too.
I also am SO scared about my boys. How would they do with out mommy? I try
not to think about it. Your fear that "my entire life form this point on is
nothing but cancer," is a fear I have too. And over the last 8 years, my
life revolves around brain cancer. BUT, I have found a way to enjoy and
love life, even though it is not "normal". I will never be able to do
things I did before (I am a wildlife biologist and quit my job when
diagnosed - could never do it again!). BUT I found that there are some new
things I can do, that I would not have taken the time to do before diagnosed
with "terminal" cancer. I connect and play with my boys each day. I notice
the butterflies flying by. I tell my kids I love them many many many times
each day. I realize what is important and what's not. I show love to
others better than I did before. So many things that I do better now, now
that I see life differently.

My heart goes out to you. I know what "alone" can feel like. I'm glad you
have connected with this great group. Please feel free to email or call me
anytime and I'll cheer you on!

God Bless,
Cheryl B
8 year GBM survivor

Email: humboldt@chater.net

4 July 2008

PS Just this last week, I finally got my book published - Life's Mountains.

I am so excited about it. When I hit my 4 year GBM survivor celebration date,

I decided to climb to the peak of Mount Shasta in Ca. to celebrate.

What an experience!!! While climbing the mountain I noticed so many

similarities between traveling along the trail to the peak, and following

the trial of brain cancer (going through hard times in life). I was inspired

to write a book, to encourage others going through hard times in life.

In the book, I jump back and forth between climbing the mountain and

being diagnosed with brain cancer and going through surgery / radiation.

My goal was to give people hope that they can make it to their own peak

of the climb they are making. People can find out about the book at