In May 2024, I had just started my summer internship at a bank and was preparing for my senior year at Texas A&M University. I began experiencing intense headaches that only eased when I drank lots of water or took pain medication.
I tried to push through my daily routine, but the pain never went away. From late June until late October 2024, the headaches persisted. I was taking five in-person classes, but soon I could not get out of bed. I barely ate and often threw up anything I did eat.
I visited several doctors; most thought it was allergies or a sinus infection. Eventually, my older sister, Maria, came to pick me up and take me home. I left everything behind — my truck, my classes and my friends — without saying goodbye.
Once home, my dad took me to see a local doctor who ordered an MRI. The scan revealed a 7-centimeter brain tumor.
My sister’s friend recommended UT MD Anderson, and we scheduled an appointment right away.
Arriving at UT MD Anderson
My first appointment at UT MD Anderson was on Halloween. The nurses were dressed in costumes, a moment of light in a very dark time. Even though I was out of it, I felt a sense of relief: “I am here. Let’s get this done.”
The doctors, nurses and staff at UT MD Anderson are angels. They make sure you know everything is going to be all right.
My team included neurosurgeon Dr. Ian McCutcheon, neuro-oncologist Dr. Barbara O’Brien and radiation oncologist Dr. Gohar Manzar. My entire care team played an important role in my recovery, but Dr. Manzar had the greatest impact. She reassured me and kept my entire family calm. She was one of the best parts of my journey.
Undergoing treatment for a brain tumor
I had brain surgery on Nov. 1, 2024, and woke up in the ICU the next day. On Dec. 30, I began 36 proton therapy treatments at UT MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center. Proton therapy is similar to traditional radiation therapy, but it uses a different type of energy and is much more accurate at avoiding normal tissue while targeting tumors.
On March 6, I started four rounds of chemotherapy. The radiation treatments left me tired and nauseous, and chemotherapy was even tougher. Some days, I would travel six hours to Houston, only to find out that my blood counts were too low for treatment.
Before treatment, I was physically active, regularly playing sports and lifting weights. During treatment, I put everything on pause. The hardest part was the isolation. I had to be extremely careful not to get sick while finishing my economics degree remotely.
At the end of my proton therapy treatment, my family celebrated with Dr. Manzar. She gave me an origami crane of my radiation plan and played a song on her ukulele about the closing of this chapter and looking forward to a new beginning. My family and I were so touched. We all cried because we had grown such an attachment over this tumultuous period.
Life after brain tumor treatment
Today, I am a proud graduate of the Texas A&M Class of 2025 and starting my career at the bank where I interned. I’m very thankful not to have any lingering side effects. Physically, I sometimes get tired, but it’s nothing a little caffeine and rest cannot solve. Mentally and emotionally, I stay strong because my family never left my side, including my mom, dad, sister, brother and sister-in-law.
My mom prayed over me every night in the ICU, softly playing worship music. My dad, brother and sister all sacrificed their own routines to be with me through every step. A year after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, I feel back to normal.
Encouraged by my good results from treatment, I arrived at my last follow-up appointment with a stuffed ukulele for Dr. Manzar. It makes her day to see me and my family thriving after treatment.
My advice to others
People often say that life moves too fast. During treatment, it slowed down more than I ever imagined. My dad always says, “Don’t be in such a hurry.” I finally understood what he meant.
Keep a positive mindset and never lose faith. On hard days, step outside, take a walk and breathe deeply. Remind yourself that life is still moving forward. Surround yourself with a dedicated support system.
No matter the challenges I faced, my faith was what carried me through. There were moments when the path ahead felt very dark, but I did not walk it alone. At UT MD Anderson, I had the right team of doctors by my side every step of the way.
Request an appointment at UT MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
On hard days, step outside, take a walk and breathe deeply.
Alberto Diaz
Survivor