Young adult glioblastoma survivor grateful for UT MD Anderson
In September 2021, Leah Alvarez was working as a step-down intensive care nurse with a specialty in neuroscience in Florida, caring for patients with brain, spine and nervous system disorders.
She and her husband, Cody, had welcomed their daughter, Harper, almost two years earlier.
When Leah started getting painful headaches in the back of her head, her colleagues said they were probably complicated migraines that can occur...
Astrocytoma survivor: Why I joined a targeted therapy clinical trial at UT MD Anderson
Until Groundhog Day 2018, I’d been living a healthy and normal life in Austin with my wife, Amy, and our two young children. Then one day,...
Young adult astrocytoma survivor puts trust in doctors during treatment
Two months into her marriage and just two days before her 32nd birthday, Hannah Kahn learned that she had a brain tumor.
“I’ve...
Facing a pediatric brain tumor with a cheerful spirit
Audrey Yerian, known to her friends and family as “Audge,” is a 10-year-old competitive cheerleader from Tomball, Texas. Her passion for cheer matches her incredible courage. So, when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive childhood brain tumor, she faced it with the same perseverance, courage and passion.
For years, Audrey had experienced brain tumor symptoms, including debilitating migraines and what were believed to be...
Phantosmia: 8 things to know about olfactory hallucinations
Phantosmia is the scientific term for olfactory hallucinations — that is, the perception of odors that do not exist. It’s like detecting the...
What to expect after brain surgery: Patients and a neurosurgeon share insights
Are some side effects common to everyone after brain surgery? For instance, can you expect to experience some combination of memory lapses...
Glioblastoma caregiver: Why I support neuroscience research at UT MD Anderson
When my late husband, James Broach, was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor called astrocytoma in 2010, it came as a huge shock. He was only...
Can brain tumors cause personality changes?
A brain tumor diagnosis is life-changing. Symptoms can appear suddenly, affecting both your physical and mental health.
Your brain...
Glioblastoma survivor: ‘You can live with cancer and still have a really good life’
Focal seizures are not what you might typically imagine when you first hear the word “seizure.” They’re not the kind that makes you suddenly...
Astrocytoma survivor gives back to MD Anderson
Jim Bartlett, now 57, was a self-described workaholic before his brain tumor diagnosis in 2022.
“I’ve been practicing for almost...