Amanda, who hails from north of Baltimore, MD, shares her experience being told she had brain cancer, specifically astrocytoma grade 4. She was initially diagnosed with glioblastoma in January 2024. She describes the peculiar symptoms that led to her diagnosis, including sensations in her mouth and throat that felt like eating “pop rocks”; numbness in her face and hand; and multiple focal seizures. These eventually prompted her to seek medical care.

After Amanda underwent various tests, she also took a CT scan, which revealed a grape-sized mass deep in the left side of her brain. She transferred to the University of Maryland for treatment, where doctors recommended surgery to remove the tumor. She also participated in a clinical trial involving Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) to burn away the tumor. An intense five-day proton radiation therapy session, a more concentrated treatment than the typical six weeks of radiation, followed.

Amanda’s treatment has been extensive, including chemotherapy with temozolomide, which she takes at home. She has completed 5 rounds of chemotherapy and is preparing for her 6th, with a plan to take a total of 12 rounds. Despite her challenging diagnosis, Amanda considers herself fortunate to have access to treatments and fertility support, having undergone egg freezing before starting chemotherapy.

Amanda reflects on the mental and emotional toll her cancer diagnosis has taken. Initially, feelings of anger and grief consumed her, and she felt that cancer was taking her life and plans away from her, particularly with her new marriage. However, she has found peace through her faith and therapy, working through unresolved fears and guilt from her past. Amanda also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy and continuing to engage in activities that bring her joy, such as working out and spending time with her family.

As she navigates the uncertain future, Amanda shares that her cancer is incurable, but her hope is to maintain stability through ongoing treatment. She encourages others facing similar diagnoses to view their experience as an opportunity to rebuild themselves and reflect on what truly matters. Her message is one of resilience and embracing life, even when faced with daunting challenges.