20 Years Later, Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Survivor Continues To Thrive
David Fitting with his dog, Norm.
Surviving glioblastoma brain cancer was one thing, but David Fitting has thrived after twenty years after beating the odds. The reason being he's curious by nature and does whatever it takes to stay positive. Our team had the chance to publish his reflection one year after he shared his GBM survivor story online on our Warrior Wednesday segment and international outlet, Newsweek.
Get to know David’s story by listening to his featured episode on our podcast, Glioblastoma aka GBM.
What was it like sharing your brain cancer diagnosis story with the global cancer community?
I can't believe it's already been a year since my Newsweek article was published! It was incredible how many people the article reached globally and how many of those I could connect with and support during their journey. Having a global platform like Newsweek to share my story was a dream come true. After the article was published, I had the privilege to speak with Glioblastoma brain cancer patients and their families worldwide. From Saudi Arabia to Switzerland and Macedonia, it's been an honor speaking with numerous amazing people.
How have you been?
A lot can happen in a year, and I've had some exciting changes. Most notably, I earned a position at another company specializing in oncology here in South Florida. I knew this company would be a perfect fit when I saw their slogan: "Imagine a world without fear of cancer, we do." Being able to work in a field I'm already passionate about makes a day on the job feel like more than just another paycheck.
Can you share some recent milestones?
Another milestone I'm encroaching on is the third anniversary of my mandibulectomy from my 2020 bout with osteosarcoma. Every day I think about how grateful I am to have had such incredible physicians and surgeons throughout my journey. After spending 13 hours in surgery to have half their jaw removed, and another 3 hours in surgery for an emergency tracheotomy, one would think that there would be lifelong complications. But I can honestly say that since I fully recovered from surgery in May 2020, I have experienced only mild lingering side effects from surgery.
What are you reflecting on after more than 20 years of Glioblastoma brain cancer survivorship?
Being in remission now for nearly three years and coming up on my 20th year of survivorship, I have a ton to be grateful about. Having the opportunity to reach and inspire so many people is one of the most meaningful aspects of life. There's no way to describe the feeling of giving others hope at a time when they believed they were on a road of hopelessness. Cancer forced me to become resilient and strong at the age of 10. Without knowing it at the time, my journey with pediatric brain cancer shaped my entire outlook on life and how I handle adversity. It's not to say I don't have bad days or even bad weeks at times. But I wholeheartedly believe that fighting the odds of a brain cancer diagnosis for the last 20 years has made it, so I don't dwell on those moments for long. I seek refuge in happiness, humor, and love. My world has never revolved around the fear of cancer, but rather how grateful I am to be able to live the life I have lived, even if it's on "borrowed time" in the eyes of some of my past doctors.
How do you practice gratitude when facing health challenges?
My optimism and positive outlook on life don't come from blocking out all negativity and pretending that the world is all puppies and kittens, although that would be incredible. Instead, my attitude comes from knowing that whatever comes my way, be it cancer or other adversity; I will be a stronger and better version of myself on the other side. I knew going through cancer as an adult would be more complicated than it was as a child. I had different stresses, obligations, and emotions, and there was no XBOX in the adult hospital. But I held on to the mindset that I would be a more complete version of myself when I came out of this.
What is your advice to other people who are coping with brain cancer treatment?
Every setback, every tear, and every bit of physical and emotional pain I felt was just another layer of toughness, grit, and determination I would have in my arsenal to apply to other challenges I would face. Lightheartedness and optimism have always been my beacon in times of pain and uncertainty. The best advice I can give anyone battling Ga brain cancer diagnosis or adversity is to learn to laugh in the dark and smile where it hurts. Courage can be found where you least expect it but when you most need it.
A note from David:
Thank you to the Glioblastoma Research Organization for encouraging me to tell my story. Because of them, not only was I able to get my story published in international outlets, but they have amassed over $250k in donations to fund Glioblastoma brain cancer research.
Please consider the Glioblastoma Research Organization when giving to a charitable cause. They are truly doing God's work and positively impacting the lives of so many. Make a charitable gift, here.
