Jodi Novak’s Extraordinary Journey: 23 Years as a Glioblastoma Survivor

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Jodi Novak’s Extraordinary Journey: 23 Years as a Glioblastoma Survivor

The Headaches That Changed Everything

In June 2001, Jodi Novak was living a normal, healthy life when severe migraines started disrupting her days. She instinctively knew something wasn’t right. Despite initial skepticism from her doctor, Jodi insisted on an MRI, suspecting that her headaches could be a sign of something serious. That persistence led to a life-changing diagnosis—glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer.

A Race Against Time

At just 27 years old, Jodi was thrust into a whirlwind of medical decisions. Within days of her MRI, she was scheduled for surgery. Her neurosurgeon, who happened to be on sabbatical but was taking urgent cases, decided on a full tumor resection rather than a biopsy alone. That swift and decisive action may have saved her life.

An Unusual Diagnosis and the Fight for Survival

Jodi’s case was unique from the start. Pathologists discovered an unusual variant of glioblastoma containing skin cells, which puzzled her doctors and led to further testing. The rarity of her tumor meant uncertainty about her prognosis, but Jodi was determined to fight. She underwent radiation and chemotherapy at Duke University, where she was placed on an early treatment protocol involving temozolomide, a chemotherapy drug that has since become standard for glioblastoma patients. Her treatment plan, tailored specifically to her, lasted a grueling year and a half.

Defying the Odds

Despite the dire survival statistics of glioblastoma, Jodi defied the odds. She remained cancer-free, a reality that still astonishes many in the medical community. At her seven-year check-up, her doctor at Duke looked at her scans and said, “Your brain is beautiful. There is no evidence of disease.”

That was the moment Jodi’s life took another miraculous turn—her doctor asked if she was ready to start a family. She hadn’t known if chemotherapy would affect her ability to conceive, but she and her husband decided to try. Soon after, she became pregnant and had two daughters, a testament to her resilience and determination.

The Power of Support and Community

Jodi credits her survival to medical advancements and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and broader community. She leaned heavily on the people around her, drawing strength from their encouragement. A strong social structure helped her push forward, even during the most difficult moments.

Today, she dedicates her time to supporting newly diagnosed patients, understanding firsthand how vital it is to meet long-term survivors.

“I wanted to meet someone who was further out than me,” she recalls. “It offers so much hope and encouragement.” Now, she is that beacon of hope for others.

Authoring Hope: Boo-Bear’s Big Day

Wanting to help families navigate the difficult conversations surrounding brain cancer, Jodi wrote Boo-Bear’s Big Day, a children’s book designed to help parents explain diagnoses to their kids in a compassionate and accessible way. Through her book, she provides a valuable tool for families facing complex journeys, ensuring that no child—or parent—has to feel alone in their fight against cancer.

Her message to anyone facing glioblastoma—or any challenge—is clear:

“Find your people. You can’t do this alone.”

A Story of Hope and Resilience

Her story is a powerful reminder that survival, hope, and purpose are possible even in the face of devastating odds.

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