22-Year-Old Mom Thought The Outward Bend In He Foot Was A Pinched Nerve. It Turned Out To Be Brain Cancer

Collett, who recently shared her story with Kennedy News and Media, according to the Daily Mail, said she first noticed her foot was bent and her toes were pointing in a different direction while drinking with friends.

The next day, after visiting her doctor, she was told to get an MRI scan and additional testing, which showed a brain tumor in the front area of her brain, called the motor cortex, which affects how the body moves. A biopsy revealed she had stage 4 glioblastoma.

Recounting how her symptoms first arose, she explained to Kennedy News & Media, “I was on a night out with my friends then all of a sudden, my foot started to turn outwards a little bit.

“I had hip dysplasia during my pregnancy so thought it was something to do with that, or that I’d twinged a nerve. Everyone thought it was a pinched nerve. It didn’t cross my mind that it could be something sinister.”

She continued, “When we walked into town, it was hurting but a few hours in I couldn’t even put my foot on the ground it was hurting that much. I had to be carried home. All my friends thought I was drunk and just laughed it off.

“But the next day I still couldn’t put my foot on the ground, and it felt really numb.”

When she received her diagnosis she was told the tumor was “inoperable,” she she underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy—which went well. She hasn’t needed additional treatment as the tumor hasn’t been growing.

As for how she was initially told she had two years to live, she’s glad she’s surpassed that, as she’s now 32 and feeling “lucky” to be where she is now.

She added, “Since having my treatment nine years ago, I haven’t had any more treatment and I’m still here. Doctors have no idea what’s going on and they’ve called me a miracle.

“They have no answers and are gobsmacked I’m still here and so healthy.’

Understanding Brain Tumors

Brain tumors account for 85-90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). In 2023, the ASCO estimated that 24,810 adults (14,280 men and 10,530 women) in the United States would be diagnosed with primary cancerous tumors of the brain and spinal cord.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and acts as the main “processing center” for the body’s nervous system. The normal function of the brain and spinal cord can become difficult if there’s a tumor putting pressure on or spreading into normal tissue close by.

There are many different types of brain and spinal cord tumors and some of which are more likely to spread into nearby parts of the brain or spinal cord than others. Slow-growing tumors may be considered benign, however, even these types of tumors can lead to serious problems.

Meanwhile, symptoms of brain tumors, as a whole, are usually caused by increased pressure in the skull. This pressure can stem from tumor growth, swelling in the brain, or blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the American Cancer Society explains.

General symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Balance problems
• Personality or behavior changes
• Seizures
• Drowsiness or even coma

Additionally, MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that changes in the ability to smell can also be a sign of brain tumors, and, more specifically, “strange smells” can be a symptom of seizures, which can result from brain tumors.

One Survivor’s Advice for Taking On Brain Cancer

It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to brain tumors. Still, you should always speak with your doctor if you’re experiencing any health problems.

Meanwhile, treatment options for brain cancer depend on a variety of factors, including the size and type of the tumor as well as the grade of the tumor.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are options doctors use to treat brain tumors. Cancer warriors are encouraged to talk to their doctor about their situation and the best treatment options.

Treatment Options For Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is certainly an aggressive form of brain cancer, but there are still treatment options available, and many patients find ways to maintain their quality of life while undergoing therapy.

Dr. Herbert Newton, an neuro-oncologist at UH Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio, emphasized to SurvivorNet that it’s important for patients to understand what grade four means when it comes to brain tumors.

Standard of Care for Glioblastoma: Combining Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Emerging Technologies

“That’s the first thing I talk about with the patients — that this is a tumor that is very, very difficult to control,” Dr. Newton explains. While this is a serious diagnosis, it is essential to remember that advancements in treatment continue to evolve, and each patient’s experience is unique.

After diagnosis, your medical team will outline various treatment strategies based on factors such as tumor location, overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapies aimed at reducing tumor size, alleviating symptoms, and prolonging survival.

Treatment may involve:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of as much of the tumor as possible is often the first step. While complete removal is challenging due to the invasive nature of glioblastoma, surgery can help reduce pressure on the brain and improve neurological symptoms.
• Radiation Therapy: Following surgery, radiation therapy is commonly used to target remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy involves high-energy X-rays or protons directed at the tumor site to slow its progression.
• Chemotherapy: Temozolomide (TMZ) is the most commonly used chemotherapy drug for glioblastoma. It works by interfering with the tumor’s ability to grow and divide. It is often used alongside radiation therapy and can be continued afterward as maintenance therapy.
• Tumor-Treating Fields (TTF): This innovative therapy uses electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell growth. It is a non-invasive option that can be used in combination with chemotherapy.
• Clinical Trials & Emerging Therapies: Ongoing research has led to promising new treatments, including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and gene therapy. If you are eligible, participating in a clinical trial may provide access to experimental treatments that could be beneficial.

Understanding Factors That Affect Prognosis

Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer, but treatment can help slow its progression. While it is difficult to predict exact survival times, many factors influence prognosis, including age, overall health, genetic markers, and response to therapy.

“This is not a curable tumor per se,” Dr. Newton explains. “It’s a tumor where it’s aggressive enough that we’re trying to control it for as long as we can, manage it. When we talk about these patients at tumor board, the first thing we do is screen them for a clinical trial.”

Other factors that affect prognosis include:

• Extent of tumor removal: The more tumor tissue removed during surgery, the better the chances of controlling the disease.
• Response to treatment: Some patients respond better to chemotherapy and radiation than others.
• Molecular markers: Certain genetic mutations (such as MGMT methylation) may indicate a better response to treatment.

While glioblastoma has a median survival time of approximately 12-18 months with standard treatment, some patients live longer, especially when participating in clinical trials or using novel therapies.

Facing Cancer: How to Turn Stress Into Strength

Maintaining Quality of Life Amid Glioblastoma

Even facing a diagnosis as serious as glioblastoma, there are steps you can take — beyond medical intervention — to ensure you are still making time to enjoy each day and practicing self-care.

These include:

• Staying active: Light exercise can help improve mood and energy levels
• Engaging in Enjoyable Activities: Reading, art, music, and other hobbies can offer a sense of normalcy
• Practicing Mindfulness and Relaxation: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga may help with stress and anxiety

While glioblastoma is a challenging diagnosis, planning ahead can help alleviate some uncertainty. Discussing care preferences, setting goals, and making decisions with loved ones can provide a sense of control over your journey.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Is my glioblastoma treatable?
• What is the likelihood that treatment will slow progression?
• Is there a clinical trial that might be right for me?
• What measures can we take to improve my quality of life?

WATCH: New hope is on the horizon for those battling glioblastoma.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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