Patient Stories

The Stroke That “Saved Her Life”

For most of her adult life, Patty recalls having recurring headaches and sinus infections. She didn’t realize that these may have been early warning signs of something far more serious.

When she suffered a stroke in 2022, doctors were alarmed—why would an otherwise healthy 45-year-old woman with no major risk factors experience a stroke? The incident prompted further testing, which led to a shocking diagnosis.

Though no one was prepared for the news, Patty says, “That stroke was probably my lifesaver. One of my lifesavers.”

A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Glioblastoma

After suffering her stroke, Patty was first admitted to the ICU at a local hospital in Northern Kentucky before being transferred to a rehabilitation center to begin her recovery. It was there that doctors first mentioned the possibility of a brain tumor. Though Patty had already sensed it in her heart, she remained hopeful, believing it could be surgically removed and she would recover.

But the biopsy revealed a far more devastating reality: glioblastoma—an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer. Fortunately, Patty recalls the neurosurgeon’s words: “I need to get you to the best place.” He referred her to the UC Health Brain Tumor Center, where she would receive expert care.

Finding Hope with UC Health

At the UC Health Brain Tumor Center, Patty met with a team of specialists led by renowned and now-retired neurosurgeon Dr. Mario Zuccarello. They spent six hours walking her through the treatment plan, introducing her to the team that would be by her side throughout her journey.

Although overwhelmed, Patty finally felt a glimmer of hope. She vividly remembers meeting Dr. Zuccarello, who would become a pivotal figure in her care. “I’ll never be able to express the impact that man had on my life.”

“He didn’t treat me like a patient. He made me feel like family,” Patty recalls. Dr. Zuccarello assured Patty that the goal was to remove as much of the tumor as possible while prioritizing her quality of life.

Throughout the process, Patty felt like she remained in the driver’s seat of her care. “He gave us all the options,” she says. “He was completely transparent and allowed us to make the best decision for where I was in my life.”

Surgery and Treatment

In April 2022, Patty underwent brain surgery, where the team successfully removed the majority of the tumor. Remarkably, just hours after surgery, she was up and walking around. Patty returned home the very next day.

Her treatment continued with six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. Determined to fight with everything she had, Patty also opted to wear the Optune Device—a cutting-edge, FDA-approved, wearable medical device that delivers Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy to slow tumor growth.

Life After Surgery

Three years post-surgery, Patty continues to thrive, thanks to the dedicated team at the UC Health Brain Tumor Center. Although Dr. Zuccarello has since retired, Patty had the chance to help honor him at the 2023 Cancer Family Care Unsung Hero Awards, where she gave him a framed letter of gratitude.

Ongoing Care and Unwavering Support

Today Patty undergoes regular MRIs every two months to monitor for any signs of tumor growth. Dr. Kyle Wang, her radiation oncologist, is always right by Patty’s side. “He’s an incredible healthcare professional and above-and-beyond person.” Knowing how difficult waiting for results can be, Dr. Wang makes time to review her MRIs immediately—whether by phone or in person—so she never has to endure days of uncertainty.

“You don’t hear about doctors doing that often,” she says. “The care is phenomenal.”

Dr. Wang, “I've been fortunate to be able to support Patty during her journey and have really enjoyed getting to know her and her family. Patty's spirit and her ability to share this spirit and her experiences through human connections and groups like the Brainy Bunch are a true gift to others facing the challenges of a brain tumor diagnosis.”

Another key member of Patty’s team is Dr. Lalanthica Yogendran, a neuro-oncologist with the Brain Tumor Center. As a neuro-oncologist, Dr. Yogendran has specialized training to diagnose and treat nervous system tumors, including the brain and spinal cord, and manage the neurological complications of cancer—expertise not found in most health systems.

Dr. Yogendran said, “Neuro-oncology is vital because it combines specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating complex brain and spinal cord tumors, offering multidisciplinary care that improves patient outcomes, supports quality of life, and addresses neurological complications associated with cancer.”

Building Community with the “Brainy Bunch”

Beyond her medical team, Patty has found strength in the connections she is built with fellow patients. She is part of a group lovingly dubbed the “Brainy Bunch,” where other brain tumor patients share experiences, offer encouragement, and enjoy outings together.

Patty mentors newly diagnosed patients, offering empathy and guidance only someone who has walked the same path can provide. Yet, she insists she gains as much from them as she gives.

Writing Her Next Chapter

Today, Patty’s life is filled with gratitude. She cherishes the small, everyday moments many take for granted—watching her daughter leave for school, walking regularly with her 19-year-old son, and spending more time with her parents.

She’s also found solace in writing, a passion she never expected. What began as blog updates on her CaringBridge page has blossomed into a meaningful hobby. Now, she attends a weekly workshop, where her writing group has become another family.

Living with Renewed Purpose

Though glioblastoma is a scary diagnosis, Patty refuses to let it define her. Instead, it has reshaped her perspective, giving her a renewed sense of purpose. She finds joy in cultivating connections, sharing her story, and offering hope to others.

“Life right now is wonderful,” she says. “There’s a lot of bad out there, but there’s so much more good.”

This October, you can join Patty, the Brainy Bunch and many others for the 2025 Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries in Cincinnati. This annual event raises awareness and vital funds for brain tumor research, helping to ensure that patients like Patty continue to benefit from groundbreaking advancements and clinical trials at UC Health Brain Tumor Center.