Glioblastoma survivor: ‘MD Anderson is a blessing’

When it comes to his glioblastoma diagnosis, Chris Cook is inspired by his faith, his family and his doctors at MD Anderson.

Post-holiday run leads to glioblastoma diagnosis

On Dec. 26, 2022, Chris was relaxing at home in Holland, Michigan. When his then-fiancée, Essie, left for work, Chris went on a six-mile training run with his German Shepherd, Sully.  

“Around mile four, I got this metal taste in my mouth. I thought it was because of old cavities,” Chris recalls. “By mile five, I was feeling nauseous. I was starting to see white and felt my body going down.”  

Chris awoke to police officers, bystanders and Sully. He was alert but could not speak. Paramedics took him to a hospital where doctors administered tests and a CT scan. “Everything was clear, I was able to speak with the doctors, and the hospital sent me home,” says Chris.   

Weeks later, Chris received a letter from the State of Michigan, documenting his case as a “possible seizure.” He would need a doctor’s note clearing him to drive or to wait six months before driving again. Chris’ primary care doctor recommended that he see a neurologist.

“Things got a little more concerning when I saw the neurologist because my non-contrast CT scan showed a mass,” he says. Chris and his family immediately began searching to find the best cancer hospital when they learned he had a brain tumor. “Our research kept showing that MD Anderson was No. 1.” 

Putting his trust in his MD Anderson care team

Chris first came to MD Anderson in February 2023. He met with neurosurgeon Sherise Ferguson, M.D., and neuro-oncologist Ashley Aaroe, M.D.   

“Dr. Ferguson explained all aspects of the surgery, including risks to mobility connected with operating near the right vessel,” Chris says. “She discussed her plan to get around that vessel and jumped into this whirlwind, literally fighting with me.”   

Reflecting on his meeting with Aaroe, Chris says, “I couldn’t have asked for a better head coach in this tough battle. She went above and beyond in answering my questions and in making sure I was able to digest the details about chemotherapy, radiation and medication.”   

Leading up to surgery, Chris thought about the meetings with his doctors. “I remember asking Dr. Ferguson, ‘Looking back on your life, is this something you always wanted to do?’ She responded, ‘When I was a little girl, the only other thing I wanted to be was a ninja.’”   

Chris’ brain tumor treatment

In February, Dr. Ferguson removed a 1.54-centimeter tumor in Chris’ brain. The operation involved the right middle cerebral artery and lasted more than 9 hours. “My ninja did a great job,” says Chris. “Our lives collided for her to save mine. As a surgeon, she didn’t just become a ninja; she became a samurai. And instead of a sword, she has a scalpel and knows how to operate with the best of them.”   

Four weeks after surgery, Chris started 42 days of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation therapy. A month after that, he started interval chemotherapy.

Aaroe manages Chris’ treatment plan. “We have a true partnership,” says Chris. “She keeps expectations real, keeps me centered about the medication I’m taking, and does a great job of coaching me.”

Chris travels to MD Anderson every other month for an MRI and a checkup with Dr. Aaroe’s team. In the non-MRI months, Chris sees doctors in Michigan for blood work and chemotherapy release-to-start sequence. His MD Anderson team collaborates with his local care team as needed.

Thankful for his MD Anderson care team

Chris says he received the same level of exceptional care from other MD Anderson specialists, such as radiation oncologist Subha Perni, M.D., and her team of nurses, as he did from Aaroe and Ferguson.

“It’s humbling how these professionals are so compassionate and genuinely care for me,” says Chris, calling MD Anderson a blessing. “Everyone who is going through cancer hopes that miracles are true. I met an entire team of miracles with my doctors, nurses and dietitians.”

Chris adds that MD Anderson did more than save his life. “The success of my surgery made it possible for me and Essie to get married on Sept. 30, 2023,” he says. “Everyone talks about bucket lists. Mine is all about the people who matter in my life and letting them know how amazing they are to me.”

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