Isabella Strahan, the 19-year-old daughter of Good Morning America host Michael Strahan, recently shared her courageous journey of recovery after undergoing brain surgery to remove a rare and fast-growing tumor.
Isabella, a freshman at the University of Southern California, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in October after experiencing excruciating headaches and morning vomiting.
A Challenging Road to Recovery
After her diagnosis, Isabella underwent emergency surgery followed by a grueling month of rehab, which included re-learning how to walk. In a series of YouTube videos, she detailed the brutal reality of her surgery and the challenges she faced during her recovery.
“I’ve had a rough, challenging, and very hard time, but I know I’ll get through it,” Isabella said in one of her videos. She described using a walker and a wheelchair after having the 4cm tumor removed and shared that she experienced emotional ups and downs, which she attributed to the steroids she was taking.
Facing Adversity with Strength
Isabella’s recovery process also involved undergoing the egg freezing procedure to protect her fertility from the effects of radiation and chemotherapy. She admitted that the experience was not enjoyable for her, especially the daily shots in her stomach.
Despite the hurdles, Isabella maintained her positivity and determination. She revealed that she was looking forward to returning to college and even expressed slight jealousy towards her twin sister Sophia, who was currently taking her finals.
Finding Strength in Family and Homecooked Meals
Isabella’s journey included radiation treatment and shaving her head due to hair loss caused by the treatment. Although it was a sad experience for her, she eventually found comfort without wearing a wig.
While facing six months of chemotherapy at Duke University, where her sister Sophia is studying, Isabella remained optimistic about the future. She cherished the opportunity to enjoy homecooked meals and spend time with her beloved dogs during her recovery.
A Bright Outlook for Isabella’s Future
During a segment on Good Morning America, Isabella’s doctor, Dr. David Ashley, explained that although her type of tumor is incredibly rare, the prognosis is overwhelmingly positive. With a WNT subtype of medulloblastoma, Isabella has a 90%+ survival rate beyond five years, and Dr. Ashley is optimistic about her outcome.
Isabella’s strength, resilience, and positive attitude throughout her recovery journey serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. She continues to celebrate each step forward as she looks forward to returning to normal life.