Becca Valle, a 42-year-old marketing executive, initially attributed persistent and worsening headaches to chronic migraines. What followed was a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer, after doctors discovered blood in her brain during an emergency room visit in 2021.
Valle’s journey to diagnosis began with headaches that “grew in pain over the course of the day,” according to an interview with People magazine. After consulting with a sister-in-law who experienced migraines, she sought support from her general practitioner, who initially suspected sinus issues and prescribed medication. However, the medication proved ineffective, and the headaches continued to escalate.
The situation reached a critical point when Valle found herself unable to function. “By afternoon, I had called my boyfriend at the time, asking if he could take me to the hospital when he got home from work. At this point, I was throwing up from the pain, and when he came home, I was in bed and unable to sit up on my own or hold the Gatorade he had brought me,” Valle recounted to People. Her ability to communicate was likewise affected, with emails to colleagues becoming incoherent, prompting concern and escalation to her superiors.
An initial scan revealed bleeding in Valle’s brain, leading doctors to perform an exploratory craniotomy – a surgical procedure involving the temporary removal of a portion of the skull to examine the brain. This revealed a brain tumor, which was subsequently removed in a second craniotomy. Subsequent testing confirmed the diagnosis of glioblastoma, as reported by CBS News.
Following her diagnosis, Valle proactively sought out leading medical expertise, contacting doctors across the United States to explore all available treatment options and clinical trials. This drive for control and information, she explained, helped her navigate the challenging situation. She ultimately connected with Dr. Graeme Woodworth, Chief of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), and enrolled in a clinical trial utilizing focused ultrasound.
Dr. Woodworth explained to People that the trial aims to improve drug delivery to glioblastoma tumors by temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier using focused ultrasound. “Becca’s case is an example of a life, a very remarkable life, improved with this approach,” he stated. Valle was one of 34 participants who received between three and six focused ultrasound treatments over six months, according to CBS News. The treatment method and device are currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
More than four years after receiving her diagnosis, Valle describes herself as “living life fully.” She notes a shift in perspective, becoming “more compassionate and softer, recognizing that you never recognize what someone is going through.” Despite the typically grim prognosis associated with glioblastoma, Valle chooses to focus on embracing life, prioritizing time with loved ones, travel, and pursuing her active lifestyle, including hiking, skiing, and boxing.
Dr. Woodworth confirmed that Valle “rang the ‘cancer is clear’ bell” at UMMC over four years ago, adding, “It has been an honor to care for Becca and to partner with her in our journey to bring latest, effective tools and therapies to glioblastoma patients. My hope is that this study marks the beginning of a new era in brain drug delivery, for glioblastoma patients and others with vexing, difficult-to-treat neurological conditions.”
Valle advises others facing similar challenges to take an active role in their treatment journey, seeking information, connecting with medical professionals, and utilizing support groups. “Cancer is lonely, and although people you love will indicate up for you, they don’t always know what to say. Support groups offered me comfort in being able to talk openly and honestly about emotions in ways that didn’t come as easily with those who didn’t have a shared experience,” she told People.