In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Laura Jaros and Dr. Amy Heimberger from the Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. They discuss the unique, multidisciplinary approach to brain tumor care, the evolution of treatment options, and the exciting research being conducted at the institute. The conversation highlights the importance of teamwork in patient care, innovative treatments like Optune and the Stupp protocol, and the future of brain tumor research, including promising new therapies.

• A great team is essential for optimal brain tumor care.
• The Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute has a long history of collaboration.
• Patient-centered care is at the core of who MBTI is.
• Innovations like Optune and the Stupp protocol have changed treatment standards.
• Glioblastoma patients at Northwestern have better survival rates than the national average.
• The tumor board at MBTI ensures comprehensive treatment planning.
• Research at MBTI focuses on both current and future therapies.
• The blood-brain barrier presents unique challenges for drug delivery.
• New immunotherapy strategies are being developed for glioblastoma.
• The importance of communication among specialists enhances patient outcomes.

Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Connect with Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute

Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/brain-tumor/index.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrainTumorInstitute/

Instagram: @neurosurgerynm

TikTok: @neurosurgerynm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/malnati-brain-tumor-institute-at-northwestern

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com for more information and to submit your request.

Work with Bri Salsman

If you’d like to work more closely with Bri as your coach, visit rewired-minds.com for details.

Disclaimer

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal accounts from patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends affected by brain tumors. This content is for informational and awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation and treatment options. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode, Bri Salsman shares her personal journey as a brain tumor survivor and life coach. She reflects on her experiences before and after her diagnosis, the challenges she faced in the medical system, and the importance of community support. Bri discusses her journey of self-discovery, health, and resilience, emphasizing the power of sharing stories and connecting with others who understand the struggles of living with a brain tumor.

• Bri expresses gratitude for the support of survivors and caregivers.
• She shares her initial reluctance to host the podcast.
• Bri's diagnosis came unexpectedly just before her 32nd birthday.
• She reflects on her life choices and career before her diagnosis.
• Bri discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth after her diagnosis.
• She emphasizes the importance of being in touch with one's body.
• Bri's journey includes navigating the challenges of a recurrence.
• The podcast serves as a therapeutic outlet for Bri.
• Bri highlights the need for community support among brain tumor patients.

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com for more information and to submit your request.

Work with Bri Salsman

If you’d like to work more closely with Bri as your coach, visit rewired-minds.com for details.

Disclaimer

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal accounts from patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends affected by brain tumors. This content is for informational and awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation and treatment options. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Sarah Bare, a brain tumor survivor, about her journey with astroblastoma. Sarah shares her experiences before and after her diagnosis, the challenges of navigating the medical system, and the emotional impact of living with a brain tumor. She discusses her decision to take a watch-and-wait approach to treatment, the importance of self-discovery, and how her “pain paints purpose.” Sarah emphasizes the significance of community support and the need to listen to one's body throughout this journey.

• Sarah's journey began with a diagnosis of astroblastoma at age 35.
• Navigating the medical system can be challenging and frustrating.
• Choosing a treatment path is a personal decision that requires careful consideration.
• The watch-and-wait approach can be anxiety-inducing but necessary.
• Emotional awareness and communication with loved ones are crucial during treatment.
• Work accommodations can provide relief but also create stress about future expectations.
• Self-discovery is an ongoing process, especially after a life-altering diagnosis.
• Finding purpose in pain can lead to personal growth and community support.
• Creating a list of personal goals can help prioritize self-care.
• Humor can be a powerful coping mechanism in difficult times.

Connect with Sarah Bare

Facebook: Facebook.com/sarah.bare.21

TikTok: @bare2believe

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com for more information and to submit your request.

Work with Bri Salsman

If you’d like to work more closely with Bri as your coach, visit rewired-minds.com for details.

Disclaimer

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal accounts from patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends affected by brain tumors. This content is for informational and awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation and treatment options. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Brian Aurich, a glioblastoma survivor, about his recent diagnosis and the journey that followed. Brian shares his experiences from the initial symptoms and diagnosis to the emotional and psychological impacts of living with cancer. He discusses the importance of support systems, the unexpected closeness it has brought to his family, and how he navigates uncertainty while maintaining an optimistic outlook. Brian emphasizes the value of living in the moment and making memories with loved ones, as well as the importance of mental health support during challenging times.

• Brian was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a high-grade brain cancer.
• He experienced cognitive issues and headaches before seeking medical help.
• Brian's significant other played a crucial role in encouraging him to seek treatment.
• He emphasizes the need for more research and funding for brain cancer treatments.
• Brian's life was busy and filled with personal challenges before his diagnosis.
• He has a strong support network, including a men's group and family.
• Brian's relationship with his ex-wife improved significantly after his diagnosis.
• He focuses on making memories with his children and loved ones.
• Brian feels optimistic about his future despite the uncertainty of his diagnosis.
• He encourages others to not take days for granted and to plan experiences now.

Connect with Brian Aurich

Instagram: @outside.perception

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com for more information and to submit your request.

Work with Bri Salsman

If you’d like to work more closely with Bri as your coach, visit rewired-minds.com for details.

Disclaimer

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal accounts from patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends affected by brain tumors. This content is for informational and awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation and treatment options. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode, Kelsey Burcombe shares her journey as a brain tumor survivor, detailing her diagnosis, surgery, and the emotional challenges that followed. She discusses the symptoms that led to her diagnosis, the shock of receiving the news, and the isolation she felt post-surgery. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of support systems, coping strategies, and the need for open conversations about mental health. She reflects on how her experience has changed her perspective on life and her hopes for the future.

• She was diagnosed with a 5cm parasagittal meningioma in March 2024.
• Kelsey underwent an 11-hour craniotomy followed by a medically induced coma.
• Life before her diagnosis involved managing a bar and struggling with mental health.
• Symptoms included drop foot and severe headaches, which she initially ignored.
• The diagnosis process was quick, taking only a week from eye doctor visit to surgery.
• Post-surgery, Kelsey felt isolated as others thought she was fine.
• She struggled with the emotional aftermath of her surgery, feeling misunderstood by friends and family.
• Kelsey emphasizes the importance of talking about her experience and connecting with others.
• She hopes to manage her anxiety and live more freely in the future.

Connect with Kelsey Burcombe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsingram

Instagram: @kelseyburcombe

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com for more information and to submit your request.

Work with Bri Salsman

If you’d like to work more closely with Bri as your coach, visit rewired-minds.com for details.

Disclaimer

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal accounts from patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends affected by brain tumors. This content is for informational and awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation and treatment options. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Rewired Minds brings you powerful, real stories from those affected by brain tumors. Listen to voices in the brain tumor community as they share their raw, inspiring experiences navigating life before diagnosis, through the pivotal moment everything changed, to the reality that follows. Connect with the human side of brain tumors through understanding, hope, and action as we transform awareness into impact.

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod/

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com for more information and to submit your request.

If you’d like to work more closely with Bri as your coach, visit rewired-minds.com for details.

Disclaimer

The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal accounts from patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends affected by brain tumors. This content is for informational and awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation and treatment options. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.