June 2011, I felt like I was on top of the world. Even though 2011 has held some challenges in my chosen profession and I had separated from my longtime wife Tracy (who continues to be one of my greatest friends and advocates)… I felt physically healthy, had strong family and friend support, began dating a lovely young lady (Linda), bought a fantastic house, and was excited to help rebuild the lending industry. Then late one evening, my entire world seemingly began spinning out of control. I had a fairly significant seizure that was luckily witnessed by my wonderful friend, Linda. I really didn’t see what the big deal was… it just felt like I took a quick nap and after some initial confusion, I felt like a million bucks. After some arm twisting from Linda and my Mother, I decided to visit the emergency room that night where after a CT scan and MRI, it was discovered that I had a brain tumor about the size of a kiwi on the left side of my brain. It was alarming news to say the least.
How could this be? I am in fantastic health, there is no history of Cancer in my family, and I am only 35 years old. This was impossible!! However, to know me, is to know that I tend to be fairly optimistic about most things in life so after speaking with my Neurosurgeon (Dr. Roberts), we felt confident that doing a Craniotomy to remove the tumor was in my best interest. The tumor would taken out and sent off for testing. I had a really good feeling that everything would be just fine and the tumor would be benign.
Fast forward about a week later. I was flying out to an already paid for mini-vacation that was cleared twice by my Neurosurgeon… I had another seizure on the airplane. Other than my wonderful companion, the mini vacation was a total bust as I ended up staying in the ER for a large portion of the trip. The one good thing about it was that it accelerated finding out the results of the tumor test. I sat down with the Neurosurgeon and he explained that the results of the test were this: I tested positive for Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). I was completely shocked. Finding out that you have brain Cancer, or any sort of Cancer for that matter, is an extremely surreal experience. Throughout the entire meeting we discussed what the next steps were, what sort of doctors I would need to be working with, but we never truly discussed what the long term implications were with this aggressive form of Cancer.
A few days later I met with my Oncologist, at which time he made it clear what the eventual outcome looked like. Being told that you have the most aggressive form of brain Cancer, and that there is a relatively short limit on your life expectancy is absolutely crushing to hear. For a half a second my world shattered as I thought about what this meant for my three amazing boys. The idea of not seeing them grow to be young men, get married, or have children of their own was devastating to me. But, then that half second passed and I immediately committed to the idea that if I was going try to extend my time with my loved ones, then I had to act with immediate and positive intentions.
It helped that my Oncologist was incredibly encouraging when speaking about my diagnosis and length of life I could expect. Most people may be able to squeeze out a year or maybe two, but because of my age, physical health, and positive attitude… I could possibly stretch things out even longer. The bummer is that I can no longer drive, ride a bike, play aggressive sports, or swim on my own, just to name just a few things. Being incredibly independent as I am, you have no idea how tough it is to rely on those around me just to do life’s most simple tasks, like buying milk or visiting your children. Thank goodness I have an army of volunteers and supporters, who have risen up, and offered to help in numerous ways.
Since learning of the seriousness of my diagnosis, the outpouring of support by my friends, family, and social media friends has been tremendous. I expected maybe 20 people to reach out and offer support, when in reality it has been hundreds (possibly even a thousand if you consider who has reached out directly to my family as well). I can’t tell you how much this has meant to me to know that you all have my back and that I have impacted your life personally and/or professionally. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
I plan on writing brief updates as I travel down this new and uncertain road, but, If there is one message I would like to pass along to anyone who is interested in listening, it is that no matter what happens, I desperately want to leave a legacy for my children, loved ones, and any of you who may someday face overwhelming odds when diagnosed with a deadly illness. I will never flinch, feel sorry for myself, or give in to this disease. I will fight this thing and throw roundhouse punches daily until I am certain I have defied the odds and beaten this beast. Your faith, positive thoughts, and support are essential in ensuring I push forward.
Please help me spread the word about this fight, and I welcome any and all suggestions on how I can beat this disease.
Thank you all 
Glioblastoma, I would immediately contact Dr. Burzinski in Texas. His FDA approved trials are miraculous and not well known. It is what I would explore for myself or my family.
Sharon Prahl
612-306-5644c
swprahl@comcast.net