Cynthia Frost – Glioblastoma Patient Story

Cynthia Frost, from Erie, Pa., was always very active and healthy, so when she began to experience blurred vision, dizziness, and a strange sensation in her chest, she knew that something was not right.

Her husband, Kyle, took her to the emergency room, where she was admitted. Doctors soon discovered a brain tumor. She was referred to a neurologist and neurosurgeon at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh. After the tumor was removed and tested, it was confirmed that Cynthia had a glioblastoma – an aggressive cancerous brain tumor.

Cynthia began a treatment plan of radiation and chemotherapy. She received 33 treatments of radiation and then continued on chemotherapy in Erie for another twenty-four months under the direction of David Seastone, DO, PhD.

When she was first diagnosed with glioblastoma, she was told that she had 12 to 18 months to live. But Cynthia has now been in remission for five years. “Once they took the tumor out, it never came back,” she says.

Cynthia returns every four months to UPMC Hillman in Pittsburgh to see Jan Drappatz, MD, neuro-oncologist and the associate director of the Adult Neuro-oncology program at UPMC. Throughout the duration of her care, Dr. Seastone and Drappatz worked collaboratively to ensure that Cynthia’s treatment plan was the best option for her individual cancer.

Cynthia is grateful for the care she receives at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and all the people who have supported her.

“I’ve been seeing Dr. Drappatz for the last five years. I love him, he’s very knowledgeable. His nurse, Lauren, is very nice. He watches my MRIs to make sure there is no new growth,” she says.

Dr. Drappatz also referred Cynthia to Amy Lane at the Adaptive Driving Program, located at the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology, to regain her independence through driving.

“I was told I would never be able to drive again,” she said. “But I’m driving. [Amy] is my lifesaver. This gave me my life back.”

Cynthia’s biggest piece of advice to cancer patients is to never lose hope.

“Don’t give up. Doctors have new treatments, and there are always other options.”