Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Patient Stories
  • Savoring Every Moment after Brain Cancer Diagnosis
Content

PATIENT STORIES Savoring Every Moment after Brain Cancer Diagnosis

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

When John Franco developed a splitting headache three years ago, he never imagined this would be the start of a year-long odyssey. At his wife Elizabeth's urging, he went to see his doctor, William E. Straw, M.D., who sent him to PAMF's Palo Alto Center for a CT scan.

"I am so grateful that Dr. Straw recommended a CT scan, even though everything seemed fine with me neurologically," says Franco. "If it wasn't for his diligence and instinct to take this step, I may not be alive today."

The CT scan revealed the frightening reason why Franco had been having headaches.

"I met with neurosurgeon Paul Jackson, M.D., after hours," says Franco. "He told me that I had a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the right frontal lobe of my brain. I was overwhelmed with fear….fear of dying, fear of the unknown, and fear of the uncertain future for my wife and kids living without their husband and dad."

The very next day Franco had surgery to remove what, at that time, seemed like a benign tumor. However, when the tumor grew back, a biopsy showed it was a glioblastoma, the most common – and most malignant – brain tumor.

Additional surgery followed, and Dr. Jackson was able to remove 99 percent of the tumor. At that point, Franco was referred to a clinical trial of a new treatment regimen: three types of chemotherapy for a year, preceded by six weeks of daily radiation, under the care of PAMF radiation oncology specialist Gordon Ray, M.D. After a year, he had the option of continuing chemotherapy, or trying alternative therapies.

Franco chose complimentary alternative therapies recommended by PAMF social worker Colleen Travers. Since May 2010, John has kept up a thorough and varied regimen: healing touch massage therapy, nutrition counseling, meditation and herbal medicine.

"We wanted to see if my body could resist a tumor'comeback,'" said Franco. "Colleen Travers has offered incredible support, guidance and wisdom in every aspect of this journey."

Two years after finishing treatment, the tumor hasn't returned. Franco still has cancer and regular checkups. So far, the checkups have been very positive.

"This type of cancer never goes into remission and never goes away," says Franco. "The doctors say the best scenario is that you come in for a checkup every few months for the rest of your life to make sure tumor hasn't come back."

During his treatment, John got laid off from his job as a land acquisition development manager at a local real estate development company and went on disability. Currently, he's enjoying being "Mr. Mom," taking care of his two daughters, Madison, 8, and Samantha, 7. He is also enjoying what he describes as the acute sensitivity he brings to his life. One of the positive parts of a difficult journey came from having to ask friends and family for help, which John says opened his heart and his life, rekindling relationships that had been dormant for years.

"I don't take anything for granted and find happiness in the little things in life that present themselves on a daily basis," says Franco. "I love my wife and kids as if today is the last day I will be with them. I can't change the past or control the future, so I enjoy the now, the present moment, savoring every moment of now that I am able to enjoy."

John's positive attitude and strength have been inspirational for all the PAMF staff members who have treated him, according to Dr. Gordon Ray.

"It has been a pleasure and an honor to treat John," said Dr. Ray. "His ability to complete a rigorous course of treatment, including both aggressive radiation and chemotherapy, is a model for all of us on how to deal with adversity in life. I look forward to continuing to care for him and observing his continued progress for many years to come."

Related Stories

Musician's Life and Spirit Saved through Integrative Approach

After CPMC's oncology team and the Institute for Health & Healing helped save musician Eric Muhler's life, he found a special way to give back.

Detailed Research Leads to Quick Recovery After Breast Cancer

An engineer by profession, Gwen expects the same level of precision in her personal life, especially when it comes to her health.

Three Cancer Patients, Three Great Experiences at Mills-Peninsula

Three women explain why choosing Mills-Peninsula as the place to treat their cancer was most definitely the right choice.

Patient's First Mammogram Detects Breast Cancer

Julie was preparing for back surgery when an alert in her electronic health record suggested a mammogram. That alert may have saved her life.

Breast Cancer Survivor Celebrates Her Health

Hazel Neibert is the first to admit that her health was low on her priority list. But when she discovered a lump in her breast, everything changed.

See all Patient Stories

Disclaimer

Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon circumstances and the healthcare provider’s medical judgment. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes or substitute for medical advice.

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences