While the holiday time is supposed to joyful, that was not the case for the Nebus family unit. In December of 2000, they received the grim news that Nebus had a brain tumor and only had months to live. But with highly aggressive treatment, a fighting spirit and a supportive family unit, he is now a most cancers survivor who is hoping to inspire other patients with his story.
Diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain tumors, Nebus took his prognosis head on and researched available treatment suggestions. That was when he discovered Dr. Phillip G. St. Louis, a Florida Hospital neurosurgeon, and Dr. Nicholas Avgeropoulos, a Florida Hospital Cancer Institute neuro-oncologist, who teamed up to help give Nebus his fighting chance.
Shortly after the initial diagnosis, Nebus underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor and implant Gliadel Wafers. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, these chemotherapeutic wafers are inserted right now into the cavity where the tumor was removed.
Over several days, the wafers release chemotherapy and attack most cancers cells. Gliadel Wafers are the only FDA-approved treatment to provide highly concentrated chemotherapy right now to the brain, while averting systemic uncomfortable side effects usually associated with chemotherapy. These biodegradable wafers are clinically proven to prolong survival without jeopardizing quality of life, as is generally the case with such aggressive therapies.
It has been more than five years since Nebus had this initial operation. Since his diagnosis, Avgeropoulos has carefully watched over Nebus, administering additional therapies, to provide combined benefits of the treatments.
"Implanting the Gliadel Wafers only added a few mins onto the initial surgery, yet the effects have contributed to James living more than five years after surgery" said Avgeropoulos. "We are thrilled by the progress of this very excellent man."
Soon after the brain surgery, Nebus returned to his ordinary life. He played cards, traveled and spent time with his family unit. And although he retired, his family unit has maintained the family unit business, Rock Creek RV Resorts in Naples, Fla.
Each year, the family unit organizes a fundraiser at the RV resort to elevate money for the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute and inspire other local GBM patients with Nebus' story of survival. They want to tell other families to never lose hope, no count number what the diagnosis.
Nebus' tumor has returned twice since that initial operation. Both times, St. Louis removed the tumor and implanted additional Gliadel Wafers. Nebus' family unit cannot be certain how much time he has left, but they are extremely thankful for the past five and a half years and the priceless memories they have shared as a family unit. - NU...
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