Medulloblastoma survivor
I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Gabby, who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma almost two years ago.
Before I go into her story, I just want to ask that everyone reading this consider donating blood or platelets today. Your donation can help a cancer patient as they experience ups and downs of treatments.
June 2023, Gabby was experiencing intense neck pain and headaches, and when she went for medical assessment, doctors shockingly discovered a tumour called a pediatric meningioma. What was initially thought to only be stress or muscle soreness was a very fast-growing medulloblastoma. These tumors grow so rapidly that they are referred to as SHH (Sonic Hedgehog) Medulloblastoma and are very rarely found in persons over the age of ten.
This was the first case in an adult that many of her doctors have ever seen.
Gabby had two brain surgeries and continued her treatment, which have included radiation and chemotherapy, for more than a year. She returned to Trinidad in December 2023, where she was able to be with family while going through rounds of chemo, which was a roller coaster of an experience that hit Gabby hard. She felt sick, had seizures, and needed multiple blood transfusions to keep her stable since the chemo reduced her blood count. Through it all, she maintained a positive attitude and always was on the lookout for ways to help others.
Which brings me to something I learned from her: in some places, such as Trinidad, getting a blood donor sometimes relies on having friends and family donating blood. Those who do not have people who donate for them can have very long waits to receive the blood they need. Gabby was eager to get through her treatments with the idea of organizing a blood drive in Trinidad to help others who may not have the same level of support as she was fortunate to have.
In mid-July 2024, Gabby had her first ‘all clear’ scan and was able to celebrate the occasion in Trinidad with friends. She had another in September, and two more since – so four clear scans since finishing treatment! At this point, she will continue to undergo regular scans to assess if there have been any changes, which in itself is a whole thing (scanxiety!).
I checked in with Gabby before writing this post, and she also shared how she is reintegrating into ‘life’ once again now that her health is stable after this life-altering diagnosis:
“I have now started my job and I am a GM of a local business, I work 10 hrs a day and I have a team of 20 below me. I am loving being out of the house and being independent. I am officially allowed to drive again and I just finished my 4th check up scan and there is still no sign of Sonic so all round good!”
If you are so inclined, please make your blood donation appointment today. And if you want to help others who face a brain tumour diagnosis, you can always contribute to my fundraiser for The Brain Tumour Charity. I’m so appreciative of all the support for my London Marathon run that will help accelerate a cure for brain tumours like medulloblastoma, the one Gabby had to experience! Mile 3 is all for you, Gabby! 👊
Robyn Runs the World 