Texas Man Battles Aggressive Brain Cancer After Migraine Scare

Persistent Headaches Lead to Glioblastoma Diagnosis, Stroke Complications

A six-day debilitating migraine signaled a life-threatening turn for Branden Newman, a Texas resident who has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Sudden Onset of Severe Symptoms

What began as a familiar, albeit prolonged, headache for Branden Newman, 38, escalated into a severe ordeal. The Migraines he’d endured since age 13 typically responded to over-the-counter relief. However, this late April episode left him unable to eat, constantly dizzy, nauseous, and hypersensitive to light. This alarming change prompted a trip to the emergency room.

Glioblastoma Diagnosis and Tumultuous Surgery

Emergency scans revealed a significant “mass” within Newman‘s head, intricately entwined with a crucial blood vessel. Doctors delivered the grim diagnosis: glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer with a grim prognosis, often with an average survival of 18 months.

Newman recounted the experience to TODAY, stating, “I had a headache for six days straight. I wasn’t eating. I was sleeping a lot and just not myself. I was just out of it.”

Mere days after his diagnosis, Newman underwent extensive surgery. While surgeons managed to excise 90 percent of the tumor, a critical complication arose. A major blood vessel in his brain experienced a spasm during the procedure, resulting in a stroke and leaving him with significant difficulty moving his left side.

Understanding Glioblastoma’s Aggressive Nature

Glioblastomas are notoriously difficult to treat due to their tendency to spread thread-like tendrils deep into brain tissue. An estimated 12,000 individuals are diagnosed annually, with only about five percent surviving beyond five years. Experts note a concerning rise in cases, including a slight increase among those under 40, though the cause remains elusive.

It was Newman‘s wife, Joanna, who urged him to seek medical attention after his prolonged symptoms. She told local news station KCENTV, “Branden had a migraine for six days. He’s always had migraines, but this one was different because it lasted so long and he was nauseous and the light really bothered him.”

The moment of diagnosis was devastating for Joanna. “My boss came and got me out of the [operating room] and told me that they found a mass on Branden and I lost it,” she recalled.

Newman‘s surgery, a craniotomy to access and remove the tumor, took place on May 8th. He has since undergone six weeks of radiation therapy and is currently undergoing daily chemotherapy, in addition to weekly treatments. He is also taking perampanel and gabapentin, medications being used for their potential anti-tumor and anti-seizure effects.

Navigating Post-Surgery Challenges

During the surgery, the team attempted to meticulously remove the tumor from around Newman‘s middle cerebral artery. However, the blood vessel’s spasm led to a stroke, damaging brain tissue. While he initially couldn’t move his left side, Newman has since regained the ability to walk, though challenges with his left arm persist.

Newman shared his diagnosis during Glioblastoma Awareness Day, aiming to raise public understanding of the disease. Warning signs include persistent headaches, vomiting, loss of appetite, double vision, and changes in mood. While most headaches are not indicative of tumors, medical professionals advise anyone concerned to consult their doctor.

A Love Story Tested by Adversity

The Newmans’ journey is marked by deep devotion. Childhood sweethearts who met at ages 13 and 11 respectively, they married in 2007. Shortly after, they faced another crisis when Joanna was diagnosed with a benign spinal cord tumor, impacting her mobility.

Branden‘s unwavering support through her surgery and recovery is a testament to their bond. “Branden stuck by me through all of that, even at such a young age and facing life with potentially having your wife in a wheelchair,” Joanna shared. “He took great care of me all the way through. I am so grateful. He’s such a good man.”

Now, Joanna is actively supporting Branden through his own health battle. The couple has launched a fundraiser to assist with overwhelming medical expenses, exceeding their initial goal by raising over $140,000.