Meghan McCain Remembers Her Late Father
- Meghan McCain recently visited the grave of her late father, John McCain, who died after a fight with glioblastoma (GBM) in 2018.
- Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor.
- Brain cancer treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
That’s the sage advice TV host Meghan McCain, 36, shared on Instagram.
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This week McCain visited her father’s gravesite, and writes, “Miss you dad.” Coping with the loss of a parent to cancer is a journey through grief, and many take solace is sharing that process with others.
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McCain’s Cancer Battle & Glioblastoma Treatment Options
John McCain underwent treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) brain cancer starting in July 2017, and he ended his treatment before passing in August 2018.
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor. But despite its aggressive nature, Duke University Medical Center’s Dr. Henry Friedman tells SurvivorNet in an earlier interview there is hope. Dr. Friedman is a top brain researcher in the U.S., as well as a neuro-oncologist.
“You are not dead just because you're diagnosed with a glioblastoma,” he says. “So many people are told by their doctors or their institutions that they're at, 'I'm sorry, put your affairs in order and just move on.'”
Dr. Friedman and his Duke colleagues are investigating a new therapy that combines the modified poliovirus and immunotherapy. "The modified poliovirus is used to treat this tumor, by injecting it directly into the tumor, through a catheter. It is designed to lyse the tumor and cause the tumor cells to basically break up” he tells SurvivorNet.
Related: Could a New Treatment Have Saved John McCain? Fighting Brain Cancer With Electric Fields
"I think that the modified poliovirus is going to be a game-changer in glioblastoma,” explains Dr. Friedman, “but I should also say that its reach is now extending into melanoma soon to bladder cancer.”
Coping with Loss of a Parent to Cancer
Losing a parent to cancer, as Meghan McCain has, is a difficult and grief-filled experience. While the grief journey may feel overwhelming at times, know that there are resources that can support you along the way. Many people find support groups and therapy to be helpful resources in processing the pain of grief.
Camila Legaspi was in high school when she lost her mother to breast cancer. Legaspi credits therapy with “saving” her during that emotionally difficult time in her life. She says in an earlier interview, “Therapy saved my life. I was dealing with some really intense anxiety and depression at that point. It just changed my life, because I was so drained by all the negativity that was going on.”
Related: A Major Step in the Cancer Journey: Learning to Deal With Vulnerability
“Going to a therapist helped me realize that there was still so much out there for me, that I still had my family, that I still had my siblings,” says Legaspi. “The reality is, is when you lose someone, it’s really, really, really hard. And it’s totally OK to talk to someone. And I’m so happy that I talked to my therapist. Keep your chin up, and it’s going to be OK.”
"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
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