Rewired Minds

Sabine Schwab shares her remarkable journey through brain cancer, from diagnosis to advocacy, highlighting the importance of resilience, self-care, and community support. Tumor Type : Anaplastic Astrocytoma and glioblastoma (GBM) Tumor Grade : Grade IV Symptoms : memory loss, seizure, fatigue Treatment : surgery, chemotherapy, radiation Patient Current Stage : Wait and Watch Resources Check out a...

In this episode, Jennifer Pugh shares her remarkable journey surviving 20 months with a grade four glioblastoma, alongside her husband's diagnosis with kidney cancer. We discuss the challenges of brain cancer, the importance of community, and finding meaning amidst adversity. Tumor Type : glioblastoma Tumor Grade : IV Symptoms : seizure, dilated pupils Treatment : surgery, radiation Patient, survi...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Angel Jones, founder of Brain Tumor Companion, about her personal journey with brain tumors and the creation of a supportive community for patients. They discuss the unique aspects of peer-to-peer support groups, the challenges faced in building the community, and the importance of fundraising for research. Angel shares her vision for the f...

Brenda shares her extraordinary journey through two rare brain tumor diagnoses, her active lifestyle before and after, and her inspiring journey of relearning and resilience. Discover insights on medical challenges, recovery, mental shifts, and the power of community support. Tumor Type : Oligodendroglioma & Vestibular Schwanoma Symptoms : Balance issues Survivor Current Stage : Survivorship R...

In this episode, Bri takes listeners inside her recent stay in an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, sharing real-time recordings from the weeks before, during, and after her inpatient testing, including audio captured during a seizure. Over seven days of being bedridden and monitored, she navigates sleep deprivation, unexpected emotional weight, and the profound care of her medical team. The episode close...

In this heartfelt conversation, Jake Bohnert shares his journey through a brain tumor diagnosis, surgery, recurrence, and the profound lessons learned about faith, strength, and resilience. Discover how he navigated uncertainty, redefined strength, and found peace amidst chaos. Tumor Type : Subependymoma Survivor Current Stage : Survivorship Resources Check out a list of the most common medical te...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman interviews Steve Donie, a meningioma survivor who shares his journey from diagnosis to recovery. Steve discusses his life before the diagnosis, the symptoms he experienced, and the emotional impact of receiving the news. He reflects on the changes in his career and personal life, the support systems that helped him cope, and how he found resilience in...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman interviews Kelly Glover, a nurse navigator at the Brain Tumor Network (BTN). They discuss Kelly's personal journey as a cancer survivor and her passion for helping patients navigate the complexities of brain tumor diagnoses. The conversation covers the origin of BTN, its personalized navigation services, and the importance of community support. Kelly e...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Michelle, a primary caregiver for her mother who battled glioblastoma. Michelle shares her emotional journey through caregiving, the challenges of navigating grief, and the importance of self-care. Michelle emphasizes the need for caregivers to advocate for themselves and their loved ones while finding joy amidst sorrow. Tumor Type : Gliobl...

Deandra Mayer had been living with migraines since she was 13, never imagining they were connected to something growing in her brain. A job in the medical field led her to a doctor who ordered an MRI. What followed was a five year gap, a lost referral, and a diagnosis that would change everything at 28 years old. When the first neurosurgeon told her she had 5-8 years to live, it was her mother who...

Ryan Neal was five years old when a family dog named Casey pawed him awake in the middle of the night and that moment set off a chain of events that would define the next 30 years of his life. What followed was a misdiagnosis, a pioneering surgeon, and a near-miraculous shift from a malignant astrocytoma to a non-malignant DNET overnight. But surviving wasn't the end of Ryan's story, it was just t...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Kim Lachut delves into the emotional and psychological challenges she faced as she watched her father decline due to a glioblastoma diagnosis and treatment. Our conversation highlights the unexpected behaviors that arise, the frustration of navigating medical advice, and the profound impact on family dynamics. Kim also vulnerably shares about her experience with d...

Cindy Eich, board chair of the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation, shares about the foundation's origins, the lessons learned from Kendall's journey with glioblastoma, and the importance of providing emotional and financial support to brain cancer patients. They discuss the challenges of building a foundation while grieving, the significance of community, and the future aspirations of the foundation t...

In this episode, Theresa Harju, spouse of brain tumor survivor Alec Harju, shares her unique perspective as a caregiver. She discusses the challenges and emotional toll of navigating the medical journey alongside her husband. The conversation explores their life before the diagnosis, the impact of surgery and recovery, and the complexities of managing caregiving responsibilities while raising a yo...

Alec Harju shares his personal journey of recovery following surgery, discussing the challenges he faced and the impact on his family, particularly his two young children. The conversation delves into the emotional and mental aspects of healing, highlighting the importance of family support during difficult times. Tumor Type : Ganglioma Survivor Current Stage : Survivorship Resources Check out a l...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Nola Hynes, a brain tumor survivor who shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery. Nola discusses her initial optimism upon being diagnosed with a meningioma, the challenges she faced during treatment, and the impact on her family life. She reflects on the importance of communication with her children, the struggles of dealing with cogni...

Mike Hawkins was diagnosed with a benign pituitary adenoma in 2009 after a routine eye appointment led to a same-day MRI and a life-changing weekend of waiting and uncertainty. What followed was a 17-year journey through four surgeries, two rounds of radiation, a stretch of 13 years thinking he was in the clear, and a gutting recurrence that brought everything flooding back. Now preparing for his...

The conversation revolves around Melissa Schladt's experience with her partner Greg's diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. It details the shocking moment of diagnosis and the emotional turmoil that followed, highlighting the stark contrast between their previous life and the sudden health crisis they faced. Greg was diagnosed back in May of 2023 with glioblastoma. Gliobla...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, host Bri Salsman speaks with Caroline Lenher, who shares her unique perspective as a daughter of a long-term brain tumor survivor. Caroline discusses her father's journey with GBM, the challenges they faced, and the importance of advocacy and community support. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of navigating a cancer diagnosis, the treatment proce...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman interviews Colleen, a brain tumor survivor who shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery. Colleen reflects on her life before her diagnosis, the symptoms that led to her being diagnosed with medulloblastoma at age 12, and the challenges she faced during treatment. She discusses the importance of community support, her experiences navigating adolesc...

In this episode, Bri Salsman interviews Catt, the wife of Clifton, a brain tumor survivor. Catt shares her experiences as a caregiver, the challenges they faced before and after Clifton's diagnosis, and how their family dynamics have evolved. The conversation delves into the hectic lifestyle they led prior to the diagnosis, the impact of Clifton's health on their family, and the lessons learned ab...

In this episode, Clifton Wolfe shares his journey as a brain tumor survivor, detailing his life before diagnosis, the symptoms he experienced, and the emotional impact of receiving the news. He discusses the challenges of surgery and recovery, the struggle of returning to work, and the effects on his relationships. Clifton reflects on how this experience has reshaped his perspective on life, empha...

In this episode, Bri Salsman speaks with Dr. Helen Bulbeck and Jodie Eveleigh from Brainstrust, a UK-based organization dedicated to supporting those affected by brain tumors. They discuss the origin of Brainstrust, which was founded out of personal experiences, and the unique coaching approach they take to provide support. The conversation highlights the importance of personal connections, the di...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Samantha, a brain tumor survivor who shares her nearly decade-long journey with a meningioma diagnosis. Samantha discusses her initial reactions to the diagnosis, the impact on her family dynamics, and the emotional challenges she faced during recovery. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, the long-term effects of her experi...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, host Bri Salsman speaks with Jen Chang, a 20-year survivor of a rare brain tumor known as central neurocytoma. Jen shares her journey from the onset of symptoms during her teenage years to receiving her diagnosis and navigating treatment. She reflects on the challenges of survivor's guilt, the importance of community support, and how her experience has shaped her...