From brain tumor to best man

It was a Sunday and 31-year-old Joseph V. was sitting in the Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center Emergency Department, awaiting the results of a CT scan on his brain. Less than 24 hours earlier, Joe had attended a close friend’s wedding, where he and several others agreed that he should seek medical attention.

“The small symptoms I was having over the past several months were adding up,” recalls Joe, a hedge fund accountant and hockey player from East Brunswick. “At first, my sense of taste was off. Then, I had trouble texting and typing with my left hand. One morning, I had a seizure, but didn’t know what it was. At the wedding, I couldn’t hold a drink steady or smile on the left side of my face.”

At the suggestion of his then-fiancé Nicole and her family, who knew of the stellar reputation of Atlantic Neuroscience Institute at Atlantic Health Overlook, Joe paid a visit to Atlantic Health Overlook’s emergency department. “I had the shock of my life when the physician told me I had a brain tumor,” says Joe, who was immediately admitted to the neuro intensive care unit for further evaluation by the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center team.

Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon and co-director of The Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center, explained that the CT scan and subsequent MRI showed a large tumor compressing a critical area of the brain called the internal capsule. “The internal capsule is a deep-seated communication pathway, which controls physical movement and perception of sensory information,” Dr. Moshel explains. “Based upon the size of the tumor, it’s likely that it was growing for some time. As it grows, the brain adjusts until the tumor becomes so big, it reaches a breaking point. That’s when motor function deteriorates.”

“I told Dr. Moshel that I was very scared and nervous about the possibility of brain surgery,” states Joe. “My brother was getting married on Friday and I was the best man. I wanted to go home and think about it.”

“Believe me, I would have preferred to send Joe home and perform the surgery after his brother’s wedding,” remarks Dr. Moshel. “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I somehow ruined their wedding, but the physician side of me knew we couldn’t wait to remove the tumor. I promised him we’d operate Monday and he’d be at the wedding Friday.”

“Dr. Moshel’s words gave me the confidence to proceed with the surgery,” observes Joe. “He answered all my questions and calmed me down. I thought it was life-threatening surgery, but he proved otherwise.”

As Joe headed into surgery, his family, fiancé and friends gathered in Atlantic Health Overlook’s Thomas Glasser Caregivers Center where they found comfort and support as they waited for the outcome. Meanwhile, in one of Atlantic Health Overlook’s specially equipped neurosurgical suites, the surgical team carefully monitored Joe’s motor functions – through electrical stimulation and intraoperative functional brain mapping – as Dr. Moshel delicately removed the entire tumor. Remarkably, only a tiny patch of Joe’s hair was shaved to ensure that he would look his best as the best man.

“I had the surgery Monday and I was discharged Thursday, just in time to write my speech and deliver it Friday at my brother’s wedding,” remarks Joe. “I could walk. I could talk, and you could barely see the scar. Dr. Moshel worked an absolute miracle! I owe him and the staff at Atlantic Health Overlook a lot more than I can describe in words.”

Two weeks following the surgery, Joe and his family returned to Atlantic Health Overlook to review the results of the tumor pathology and meet with the multidisciplinary team, which is standard protocol for all brain tumor patients. Dr. Moshel explained that testing showed that the tumor was classified as an anaplastic astrocytoma, and that – although it was completely removed during surgery – Joe would need chemotherapy and radiation to treat the cavity that is left behind. Dr. Moshel also revealed that Joe’s tumor had genetic mutations that might be targeted with existing drugs during his treatment.

During the meeting, Dr. Moshel introduced Joe to neuro-oncologist Nicholas Metrus, MD, who would design and oversee an individualized treatment plan, which could include any combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Putting the comfort of his patient first, Dr. Metrus arranged for Joe to have his daily radiation treatments closer to his home for the next six weeks. Following the initial round of chemotherapy and radiation, Joe was optimistic about his prognosis under the coordinated care of the Brain Tumor Center team. Sure enough, Joe continued to progress in his recovery and he and Nicole were married in July 2021.

Learn About Brain Tumors

“

I could walk. I could talk, and you could barely see the scar. Dr. Moshel worked an absolute miracle! I owe him and the staff at Atlantic Health Overlook a lot more than I can describe in words.- Joseph, Atlantic Health brain tumor patient

Published: October 20, 2022

Related news articles

News & InnovationNeuro-oncology: Specialty care for neurologic cancersLearn about the specialized care Atlantic Health offers people with central nervous system tumors and cancer-related neurologic complications.

Senior HealthPreventing cognitive decline: 8 ways to keep your brain healthyForgetfulness is a normal part of aging. But noticeable changes in memory can signal something more. This Atlantic Health expert explains how to support brain health as you age.

Healthy LivingComplex hernia surgery gives New York father a second chance After years of infections and failed hernia surgeries from severe diverticulitis, this New York father’s life was restored through an advanced robotic procedure.

Brain HealthBoost your brain health with exerciseLearn how physical activity strengthens your brain, improves mood and enhances cognition, according to Atlantic Health neurosurgeon.

Healthy LivingYoung man with severe wound from surgery and Crohn's disease heals with wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapyWhen Ryan was 17, his Crohn's disease began to overwhelm his body—until wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Atlantic Health jumpstarted his healing and recovery.

OrthopedicsInnovative tissue transplant surgery helps soccer player return to formYoung athlete returns to sports after knee injury with expert orthopedic care from Atlantic Health.

Patient StoriesNo longer running on empty: Taking on a marathon after bariatric surgeryAfter weight loss surgery at Atlantic Health, a patient loses 110 pounds and embraces lasting lifestyle changes and improved health.

Patient StoriesPlainfield man’s cosmetic procedure becomes a fight for survivalA vacation overseas became a life-threatening medical crisis for 29-year-old DD — but also an extraordinary story of survival, resilience and advanced care delivered by Atlantic Health.

Women's HealthHow multiple sclerosis symptoms show up for womenLearn the symptoms of MS and how they impact women from an expert at Atlantic Health.

Patient StoriesA man defies the lingering effects of stroke with Vivistim technologyAfter a devastating stroke stole mobility from Kevin’s right hand and arm, a medical team at Atlantic Health helped him defy the odds and reclaim his life through Vivistim technology.

Brain HealthAnswers to 10 common questions about seizuresGet the facts about seizures, including what causes seizures, seizure symptoms and what to do during a seizure, from an epileptologist at Atlantic Health.

Patient StoriesA prenatal ultrasound reveals baby’s rare diseaseWhen a prenatal ultrasound revealed that Dana’s baby had a rare disease, an Atlantic Health team of pediatric specialists stepped in. Today, Dana’s two-year-old son is thriving.