Doctors Dismissed Woman’s Seizures as ‘Nothing Serious;’ She was Later Diagnosed with Brain Cancer

Later in January, Taylor had a third seizure, and went back to the hospital. She had an MRI which showed a brain tumor. Taylor tells The Sun, “With hindsight, I can’t believe that I was told I could continue driving and that no further tests were carried out.”

Understanding Glioblastoma

Taylor had an 8-hour surgery in February to remove the tumor. She had no negative side effects, and was discharged from the hospital two days later. However, two weeks later, Taylor got the results of her biopsy which showed that she had stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and she was given a prognosis of 12-18 months. To treat her brain cancer, Taylor underwent six weeks of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in March.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer for which there is currently no cure. It's the most aggressive primary brain tumor. Brain cancer treatment options are broadening, thanks to newer cancer research. Duke University Medical Center neuro-oncologist Dr. Henry Friedman tells SurvivorNet in an earlier interview there is progress being made in the treatment of the disease.

Dr. Friedman 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 says.

"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."

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Listening to Your Intuition

Zara Taylor was wise when she listened to her body and trusted her gut that something was wrong when she began having seizures. Seek medical attention if something feels off in your body, or if you suspect something might be wrong. You know yourself better than anyone don’t let others dismiss how you’re feeling.

It’s also important to be your own best health advocate even when speaking with a doctor. As Taylor’s case illustrates, doctors miss things sometimes. Push back when needed. Ask for more tests. Ask for a second opinion, or a third or a fourth fight for your health and for answers.

Be Pushy, Be Your Own Advocate… Don't Settle

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