Arkansans Who Fight

Jeremy Hinton Little Rock

In April 2014, I was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. I had been playing a video game when I noticed my left hand not working correctly and thought I was having a stroke. While in the emergency room, I had a seizure and after MRI, my surgeon decided to resect the 2.5 cm tumor in my left parietal/occipital junction in order to properly diagnose it. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of GBM, but since my post-operative surgery revealed some residual enhancement, I had a second resection shortly after.

When I got home, I started 33 targeted brain radiation treatments with concurrent dosage of Temodar, an oral chemotherapy agent. After finishing the radiation, I continued on the Temodar, taking it once monthy for five days in a row. Everything went smoothly (aside from the occasional seizure) until Dec 2016, when I began having seizures more frequently.  We discovered a small recurrence and resected the tumor on Feb 1, 2017.  I've been tumor free for 6 months now, and I continue to take Temodar 5 days out of every month to treat the tumor bed and prevent recurrence, and will for the next 6 months.

My advice for y'all who are diagnosed with GBM: get the standard treatment (resection if possible, followed by radiation and chemotherapy). This standard regimen gives you the best chance for survival. Get a second opinion at a brain tumor center. We do not have one in Arkansas, so I chose Duke, as I had seen their research using polio virus to treat GBM. The standard treatment has not changed in decades, but new research is being completed every month. After standard treatment I recommend trying to find a study that you'd qualify for. Since I had a resectable tumor and I had responded to chemo before, my team and I decided to go through with the original treatment plan, holding off on a study until the standard treatment fails.

James Matthews Little Rock

(James's wife Jill speaking on his behalf) 

Glioblastoma is not a word I was familiar with. I assumed it couldn't be good. I knew it was a cancerous tumor and it was in the brain of someone I deeply loved.

My husband, James, was diagnosed in February of 2014 just about 15 months after we married. James underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor, and pathology came back GRADE 4 GLIOBLASTOMA. We educated ourselves, asked a lot of questions and entered clinical trials. James lost his courageous battle just 21 months after being diagnosed. It was very difficult to watch my strong and brilliant husband slowly become totally dependent on me.

If I may offer any advice it would be...... Only you will truly care about this diagnosis and the outcome for yourself or loved one. ADVOCATE for yourself. Ask many questions and then ask more. Get a second opinion. Do not stand on the sidelines waiting for direction. Take control. Look for options beyond the standard of care. Ask for help. This is the brain we are dealing with and that is what makes each and every one of us who we are.

Haley Wilson Little Rock

(written by Charlee Hinton)

  Haley Wilson’s battle with glioblastoma began in October 2016, when he started having severe headaches and dizziness.  On the 27th of that month, the well-respected Arkansas neurosurgeon, Dr. Krisht removed most of his large brain tumor, but was disappointed to not be able access the part of the tumor that was wrapped around an artery.  This is one of the many challenges in fighting such an aggressive cancer of the brain.

  1 week after surgery, Haley had some special prayer requests:

  • That the targeted approach to the cells that are left behind from the surgery is as successful as possible

• Michelle and I continue to stay at peace

• M’Kenzie and Miles don’t feel too worried about this and continue to focus on their day to day lives

• We all continue to wake up and choose joy each day

  After such a traumatic experience, in true Haley fashion, he was back to playing tennis and cycling within a few weeks post-surgery. He got to enjoy some extra love and quality time with friends and family including a special visit from his SFA Lambda Chi fraternity brothers in November.  

  Like many brain cancer patients, Haley rediscovered the value of family and loved ones as he noted on Thanksgiving of that year, “I've actually learned in the last month that there's much more to life than physical health.  It's your friends and family and loving and being loved that matter more.” 

After 8 months, in July 2017, Haley had his first tumor recurrence.  He was mentally prepared as he and his wife Michelle knew the aggressive nature of his particular type of cancer.  After a two-month stint at MD Anderson and an attempt at a clinical trial treatment, Haley learned this tumor was growing rapidly, and that he would have to stop the experimental treatment.  

Since November 2017, Haley has continued treatment at home in Little Rock with his oncologist, Dr. Ong at UAMS.  The chemo “cocktail” of Lomustine and Avastin has worked better than expected, allowing him to enjoy a couple of special family trips to see his kids and enjoy some quality time with his wife, Michelle.

Although the tumor seems to have spread to a new area in August 2018, he continues to be grateful for all of his blessings, including what he calls the 3 F’s:

My Faith - the assurance it provides;

My Family - I’m grateful for both the Wilson and Self families for all their love;

My Friends - so many have been there for me, whether a lunch out, a phone call, or an encouraging text.

And lastly, Michelle who has been my Rock.  God knew what He was doing keeping me single until I was 35 so I could end up with her!

May God continue to bless Haley and his family.