Before her diagnosis, Clara Guy was a young working mom with a two-year-old at home and another child on the way. She worked as an interior designer, meeting with clients in a busy showroom. As her pregnancy progressed, she began noticing headaches, which she brushed off as a common symptom. But when she was 40 weeks pregnant and experiencing intense pain, her care team recommended an MRI. Just 15 minutes after the scan, doctors discovered a brain tumor. Clara immediately underwent a C-section to deliver her baby, and just 36 hours later, she was on a different operating table for brain surgery. The diagnosis was a grade 2 astrocytoma.
Six months later, her MRI showed no issues, just scar tissue. But by her one-year follow-up, the tumor had returned. Clara described it as a gut punch and was determined not to settle for limited options. She asked around for second opinions and was referred to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. On December 10, 2013, she arrived at Duke and met with the full team. Neuro-oncologist Henry Friedman, MD, coordinated her visit, and neurosurgeon Allan Friedman, MD, was ready to operate. Clara checked in for her surgery on December 26, 2013. Clara was grateful for the team’s confidence. Just two days after surgery, she was back home recovering.
Following the surgery, the tumor was reclassified as glioblastoma. She met with her neuro-oncologist, Gordana Vlahovic, MD, who walked her through every treatment option, including a clinical trial for a personalized vaccine. Clara began an eight-month trial that included leukapheresis and nine vaccine injections created from her own white blood cells. These vaccines were administered near her lymph nodes, and over time, her care transitioned to Margaret Johnson, MD, who now manages her follow-up visits. Today, Clara returns to Duke every four months with her mom by her side. Together, they get an MRI, have lunch, and meet with Dr. Johnson. Each visit is another milestone in her journey.
Clara feels fortunate for where her tumor was located and for the care she received. “Everyone that worked with me at Duke had so much confidence,” she said. “You just did what they said and kept moving forward.” She returned to work in April 2014, just four months after her brain surgery, and has continued to find joy in her career and everyday life.
During her treatment year, Clara participated in the Angels Among Us 5K for the first time, rallying a team of 200 people. Since then, her team continues to walk every year, now with about 35 to 40 supporters. Friends, family, coworkers, and others come together in matching pink and black shirts to celebrate her journey. “Angels is a party day,” she said. “This is where they saved my life. Everyone here is amazing. They work so hard for us, for our families, and for research. To go out to Angels is to go out for a 5K party. It’s a celebration—for survivors, for those we’ve lost, and for everyone in between. Everywhere you look, there is love, support, and community.”
Connecting with others who have faced brain tumors has been healing for Clara. “Every symptom is different,” she said. “But it’s good to be in touch with other people who’ve fought that battle.”