Isabella Strahan, the daughter of television personality Michael Strahan, has been battling brain cancer, a journey she’s shared openly with the public. In a recent YouTube video, the 19-year-old bravely recounted the challenges she’s faced, including two emergency hospital visits and an unexpected surgery to drain fluid from her head.
Ms. Strahan’s journey became widely known when she tearfully disclosed her diagnosis of medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, during an emotional segment on Good Morning America in January.
She spoke candidly about the moment she realized something was wrong, stating: “I noticed something was off since probably September. Like October 1, that’s when I definitely noticed headaches, nausea, [I] couldn’t walk straight.” Initially, Ms. Strahan attributed her symptoms to vertigo, a misinterpretation shared by her family. Michael, her father, admitted he hadn’t considered cancer as a possibility, given her young age and good health.
Following her diagnosis, Ms. Strahan underwent emergency surgery to remove a tumor described as “bigger than a golf ball” from the back of her brain. Reflecting on the experience, she shared: “It sent a signal of how serious it was when they said, ‘Hey, you shouldn’t risk trying to put her on a plane to get her to the East Coast or another doctor. We know what it is and we should get it out as soon as possible.’”
However, Ms. Strahan’s journey was far from over. In the weeks that followed, she faced two alarming episodes of high fever, prompting emergency visits to the hospital. Describing the ordeal, she explained, “If you have a fever over 100.4, you have to come in.” These feverish episodes ultimately led to additional surgery to alleviate the pressure caused by fluid accumulation within her head.
Ms. Strahan’s chemotherapy treatment brought with it a host of debilitating symptoms, including intense pain and difficulty walking. Yet, despite these challenges, she has approached each setback with unwavering determination and courage. “I don’t feel great, I don’t feel horrible, I felt worse but I don’t feel good,” Ms. Strahan admitted. “I feel like I can barely walk now.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor originating in the cerebellum, primarily affecting children but can occur in adults, especially those with a family history of certain syndromes. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and poor coordination. Diagnosis involves a medical history review, neurological exams, and imaging tests. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination, with clinical trials offering additional options.
Enduring grueling rehabilitation sessions, she has strived tirelessly to regain her mobility and strength. Her journey has included rounds of proton radiation therapy, which she completed just one day before ringing the bell symbolizing the end of her treatment.
