Sharing More Than 25 Years of Brain Tumor Survival

Jeannine Walston has a survivorship story of more than 25 years to share.

Walston, who has contributed to CURE as a blogger since 2015, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March of 1998. Since then, she has undergone three brain surgeries and received radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and has been a clinical trial participant.

In a new vlog for CURE, she provides an inside glimpse at her story of survival.

“I have to be very proactive, and my life continues,” she said. “My situation is that I'm dormant, meaning I still have some brain tumor cells in my brain. ... And I aspire to, of course, do the best that I can, to live a long life and, in part, I have to be proactive with integrative cancer care for the whole person, that's the physical body, mind-body connection, spiritual vitality, social support and a cleaner environment,”

Transcript:

Hi, My name is Jeannine Walston. In March of 1998 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I've had three awake brain surgeries, in 1998, 2011 and 2013. For the first time, I had radiation and oral chemotherapy in 2014 and clinical trials, including immunotherapy with a dendritic cell-based vaccine. I endured a colonoscopy 20 years out and found, long story short, that I have a mutation from family history.

I have to be very proactive, and my life continues. My situation is that I'm dormant, meaning I still have some brain tumor cells in my brain because of the location and functionality, cognitive dynamics, functions. And I aspire to, of course, do the best that I can, to live a long life and, in part, I have to be proactive with integrative cancer care for the whole person, that's the physical body, mind-body connection, spiritual vitality, social support and a cleaner environment,

I endure various treatments, self-care strategies, a lot of people to support me in my path. And thank you so much to CURE for sharing this information, which is so important for hope and resilience, doing the best one can do for as long as possible. Thank you.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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