Stacie Phillips' life took an unexpected turn in 2014 when she experienced a seizure at her primary care doctor's office, prompting an emergency room visit where she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Initially diagnosed with an anaplastic oligoastrocytoma, grade 3, she underwent her first surgery, which was only partially successful in removing the tumor.
Seeking a second opinion, Stacie contacted Duke and was set up with an appointment with neuro-oncologist Annick Desjardins, MD, She quickly bonded with the team at Duke and switched her care to their facility, where she followed the standard treatment protocol. Despite the initial success, her tumor returned in 2016, more aggressive than before. After Stacie had undergone five months of chemotherapy with temozolomide in varying doses, her neurosurgeon Allan Friedman, MD, performed a second surgery. This time, the entire tumor was successfully removed. The tumor was now classified as a grade 4 glioblastoma. Stacie underwent radiation and another year of temozolomide treatment and has remained tumor-free since her second surgery.
At the time of her initial diagnosis, Stacie was the mother of a two-year-old and a four-year-old. Despite the challenges, she managed to work nearly full time during her treatment and returned to work after her surgeries. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed immense gratitude for her support system of friends, family, and colleagues. She emphasized the profound impact of realizing the fragility of life and the value of a strong support network.
One significant change in her life was discovering First Descents, a nonprofit that organizes outdoor adventures for young adults with cancer. Stacie joined a rock-climbing trip in Estes Park, Colorado, two weeks after finishing radiation and before starting chemotherapy after her second surgery. This experience sparked a passion for adventurous activities, and she has remained actively involved with the organization ever since.
"The team at Duke has supported me every step of the way since my very first visit. They know the names of my children, have signed off on all my wild adventures, and have always made me feel cared for as a person and not just as another patient," said Stacie. The Child Life Specialist team at Duke played a crucial role in supporting her children, explaining the situation to them and involving them in the KidsCan! program, which connects children with parents facing similar battles. This comprehensive support extended beyond her treatment to her family, providing a network of care that was instrumental in their journey.
“I can’t say enough good things about Duke,” Stacie remarked. “Life is pretty normal now. I have two scans a year and otherwise don’t have to think about it a whole lot.” Her story is a testament to the resilience and strength found in facing life's toughest challenges, and the critical importance of a compassionate and dedicated medical team.