The Luckiest Dude in the World
“I feel like the luckiest dude in the world.” Maybe not a statement you would expect from someone with brain cancer, but it is how DJ Stewart, star of the documentary Rare Enough, has felt at times since his diagnosis. He is a long term Glioblastoma Survivor, and he is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about his journey, and what he has learned along the way.
Hear us talk about:
The moment of receiving a brain cancer diagnosis, and how fast things can move once it happens. It came as a surprise after a previous sarcoma diagnosis and treatment, when it seemed like everything should be going back to normal.
The importance of friends and family supporting you. “I was never without somebody, everybody. Friends were coming in - just an overload of love.” This is why he felt like “The luckiest dude in the world.”
What it was like wearing the Optune Device, breaking several of them, and how he thinks it helped to treat the tumor while he was going about normal (for him!) activities.
An important lesson from his grandmother: “When your grandpa got diagnosed, that was the day he started dying.” DJ decided he was going to go in the exact opposite direction.
The determination to keep doing the things he loves, that are important to him, and that make life exciting, always with gratitude.
What’s Next?
DJ plans to make a living in brain cancer advocacy and mental health awareness. His biggest reward has been the thousands of people that have reached out - and “There's nothing cooler than being able to help somebody who is going through some shit.” He reminds us to always find the positives.
Resources
DJ Stewart on the web, Twitter
As always, the information that is discussed in Glioblastoma AKA GBM is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease. The Glioblastoma Research Organization is not a medical organization, and does not provide medical advice in any capacity. What we and our guests share are personal stories of what has worked for the individuals in question, and should not be taken as advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for anything your healthcare team has personally recommended for you. If you have any questions about your own situation, always consult with your medical provider and healthcare team.
