Jennifer White never thought she would spend the holidays in a hospital bed.
In 2023, shortly after Thanksgiving, White began experiencing vertigo spells that made walking difficult. She consulted her primary care physician. When the symptoms persisted, White’s mother urged her to go to the UNC Health Rex emergency department.
“I thought I was overreacting,” White said. However, an MRI revealed she had a tumor in her cerebellum, the area of the brain that controls balance and coordination. The tumor was a medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer typically diagnosed in children, and it was grade 4, an advanced stage.
White was admitted to UNC Health Rex on Dec. 1. Neurosurgeon Robin Koeleveld, MD, successfully removed the tumor. A few days later, she was discharged and awaited the biopsy results, which confirmed her tumor was cancerous.
Although the entire tumor was removed, Koeleveld recommended White for a neuro-oncology consultation at the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital, the clinical home of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Referral to UNC Lineberger
White was referred to Soma Sengupta, MD, PhD, MBA, FRCP, FAAN, FANA, division chief of neuro-oncology and vice chair of research in the department of neurosurgery at UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health. Sengupta had a sample of White’s tumor sent for next-generation sequencing to determine the genetic drivers of the cancer. The test revealed the medulloblastoma had a specific type of mutation to a gene encoding a protein called Sonic Hedgehog.
Sengupta, who is a UNC Lineberger member, had done translational research on medulloblastoma and previously treated adult patients with the cancer. She discussed White’s case at the UNC multidisciplinary brain tumor conference at UNC. Cranio-spinal radiation was recommended. Colette Shen, MD, PhD, and colleagues at UNC Health oversaw the cranio-spinal radiation.
White also began receiving chemotherapy, which she has nearly completed.
Finding support, improving quality of life
White stopped working during her treatment since she was in and out of the hospital, but she started doing crafts in her spare time. White also cares for her two dogs and raises chickens, keeping busy at home since she cannot drive until her treatment is completed.
She has focused on improving her quality of life and stamina. White has participated in integrative neuro-oncology group visits led by Sengupta and a team of UNC Health integrative health specialists. The sessions offer a chance to learn from other patients and health care professionals. They can also share their perspectives on a variety of topics, including nutrition, how to incorporate herbs and supplements safely, and mindfulness practices.
“Jenn is a cancer warrior who is committed to her health and is reflective. I feel deeply connected to her as my original research was on medulloblastoma,” Sengupta said.
White is eager to finish her treatment. “I’ve always been the type to take care of myself and I feel like I can’t take care of myself in this state. I am ready for that sense of normalcy.”
She also is grateful for the support of her care team, family and friends.
“My family and friends really helped me through it,” White said. “It’s hard to navigate this alone, and it’s really overwhelming, but I feel like I lucked out.”