Rewired Minds

Bri Salsman speaks with Adam Scott Campbell, a long-term grade two astrocytoma survivor diagnosed at age nine, about two recurrences, multiple surgeries, and rebuilding life after paralysis and other effects. Adam reflects on faith, community, the isolation of keeping illness private, and the conviction that changing abilities do not change a person's inherent worth. Tumor Type : Astrocytoma Tumor...

Erika Butler shares her remarkable journey through a glioblastoma diagnosis, treatment, and return to work, highlighting the importance of advocacy, support, and resilience in the face of a brain tumor. Tumor Type : Glioblastoma Tumor Grade : IV Symptoms : headaches, seizure Treatment : surgery, chemotherapy, proton therapy, cyberknife radiotherapy, clinical trial Survivor Current Stage : In Treat...

Leah Nolen shares her powerful journey through a brain tumor diagnosis, surgery, and ongoing challenges, highlighting the importance of mindset, community, and understanding in navigating life after treatment. Tumor Type : Astrocytoma Tumor Grade : II Symptoms : seizure Treatment : surgery Patient Current Stage : Wait and Watch Connect with Leah Nolen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahkayenol...

In this episode, Christina Saunders, executive director of Humor to Fight the Tumor, discusses how humor and community support can play a vital role in coping with brain tumor diagnoses. She shares the origins of the organization, its impact, and future plans to expand its reach and funding for innovative research. Connect with Humor to Fight the Tumor Website: https://www.humortofightthetumor.org...

Zach Broderick shares his journey from a busy musician to a brain tumor survivor, detailing his diagnosis, surgeries, recovery, and the mental shifts that came with it. This episode offers insights into resilience, medical processes, and the importance of community support. Tumor Type : Meningioma Tumor Grade : II Symptoms : seizure Treatment : Survivor Current Stage : Survivorship Connect with Za...

Akina Lindley shares her heartfelt journey of caring for her mother with glioblastoma, navigating end-of-life moments, and coping with grief. This episode offers insights into the emotional landscape of loved ones facing terminal illness and the importance of connection, compassion, and finding light in darkness. Tumor Type : Glioblastoma Caregiver of a Parent Current Stage : In Memory Connect wit...

In this episode, Sarah Bare returns to share an update on her journey through brain tumor recurrence, treatment, and emotional resilience. Bri and Sarah discuss radical acceptance, managing identity, and finding strength within during challenging times. Tumor Type : Astroblastoma Symptoms : focal seizures Patient Current Stage : Recurrence Connect with Sarah Bare Facebook: Facebook.com/sarah.bare....

In this conversation, John Mehner shares his incredible journey of resilience and hope after being diagnosed with three skull-based benign meningiomas over 17 years. He discusses his life before the diagnosis, the initial symptoms that led to his discovery, and the emotional impact of receiving such life-altering news. John emphasizes the importance of support from family and friends, coping mecha...

In this episode, Stacia Wagner from the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation shares the foundation's history, mission, and the comprehensive support programs they offer to pediatric brain tumor patients and their families. We explore the importance of long-term care, family support, and the innovative initiatives designed to improve quality of life and survival outcomes. Resources Most common medical...

Cassie Sulfridge shares her inspiring journey from diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma at age 28 to becoming a teacher and advocate. She discusses her medical journey, the importance of community, words, and hope in healing, and how her experience has transformed her perspective on life and purpose. Tumor Type : Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Symptoms : stroke, headaches,...

Lindsay Miller shares her inspiring journey through a brain tumor diagnosis, multiple surgeries, and her ongoing process of rebuilding her life. This conversation explores resilience, redefining identity, and finding new purpose after life-altering health challenges. Tumor Type : Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD) or Dysplastic Cerebellar Gangliocytoma Symptoms : forgetfulness, brain fog, dizziness, b...

Matei Romancik shares his profound journey through a brain cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the transformative insights on life, meaning, and resilience that emerged from facing mortality. Tumor Type : Astrocytoma Tumor Grade : III Symptoms : migraines, vomiting, blurry vision, loss of physical control Treatment : surgery, radiation, chemotherapy Patient Current Stage : In Treatment Resources Chec...

Joyce McCann, diagnosed with a meningioma at 51, spent 20 years managing mysterious headaches before an MRI in December 2017 finally revealed the tumor wrapped around her optic nerve and artery. She shares the whirlwind from diagnosis to a 10 hour surgery, the loss of her partner a year later, and the seizures now bringing her back into a season of uncertainty. Through it all, Joyce holds onto fai...

In this inspiring interview, Colin Gerner shares the story of StacheStrong, a nonprofit born from his brother G.J.'s battle with glioblastoma. Discover how their journey from personal tragedy to impactful fundraising has funded over $7 million in brain cancer research and created a global community of support. Tumor Type: Glioblastoma Tumor Grade: Grade IV Treatment: surgery, chemotherapy, radiati...

In this episode, Brian Aurich shares an update on his journey with glioblastoma over the past year, including treatment updates, the role of innovative therapies like vaccines and Optune, and how he manages scan anxiety and treatment decisions. Check out episode 2 to hear the beginning of Brian’s experience. Tumor Type: Glioblastoma Tumor Grade: Grade IV Treatment: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy...

In this episode of Rewired Minds, host Bri Salsman speaks with Kathy Hammond, a grade four glioblastoma survivor. Kathy shares her unexpected journey from a heart attack scare to discovering her brain tumor. She discusses her life before the diagnosis, her active lifestyle, and the shocking moment she learned about her condition. Kathy details her surgery, recovery, and the emotional impact of her...

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...