College Co-Ed, 22, Goes For A Routine Eye Exam And Learns She Has Brain Cancer And EIGHT TUMORS

“In my first year, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it to graduation," she told The Mirror.

Initially, the cancer, which included eight tumors, was treated with a craniotomy a type of brain surgery to remove the largest tumor. That was followed by aggressive rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. But when her family heard news of a new treatment in Germany, donations poured in that saw her traveling from her home in the United Kingdom to Cologne every six weeks.

Aside from excelling in school, Nuttall also threw herself into philanthropy, acting as an ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, despite two more surgeries in March and December.

Making A Lasting Impression

Graduation was a family affair, as Nuttall celebrated alongside her mother, Nicola, father, Mark and sister, Grace.

"Laura was told that she had a life expectancy of around a year and wouldn't be going back to university at all, so to see her graduate is just incredible," said Nicola. "I know how hard she's had to work to achieve her degree alongside her chemotherapy, surgery and treatment, and this day is a real celebration of her tenacity. We really couldn't be more proud of her."

As a student, she made quite the impression on her professors, especially Prof. Jackie Carter, who had special insight into Nuttall’s experience due to having a child with an incurable brain tumor.

"I have met very few people with such a determination to live their life to the full," said Carter. "Unlike most of my students who are wondering what to do with their futures, Laura quite literally doesn’t know what hers holds – but she’s getting on with it, and doing it all with a spirit that shines through her every pore when you meet her."

With the time she has left, Nuttall plans to continue her charity work and to raise awareness of brain conditions.

For her part, Nuttall thanked the university for their part in helping her dreams come true.

"I don’t think I would have been able to achieve my degree without the help and support provided by The University of Manchester, especially the student welfare officers," she said.

Could a New Treatment Have Saved John McCain? Fighting Brain Cancer With Electric Fields

What Is Glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer for which there is currently no cure. It's the most aggressive primary brain tumor. It’s perhaps best known as the form of brain cancer that claimed the lives of both Senator John McCain and President Joe Biden’s son, Beau. 

Brain cancer treatment options are broadening, thanks to newer cancer research. Duke University Medical Center neuro-oncologist Dr. Henry Friedman told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview there is progress being made in treatment of the disease.

Dr. Friedman his Duke colleagues are investigating a new therapy that combines the modified poliovirus and immunotherapy. "The modified poliovirus is used to treat this tumor, by injecting it directly into the tumor, through a catheter. It is designed to lyse the tumor and cause the tumor cells to basically break up" he says.

"I think that the modified poliovirus is going to be a game-changer in glioblastoma," explains Dr. Friedman, "but I should also say that its reach is now extending into melanoma soon to bladder cancer."

There Is New Hope for Those Fighting the Same Cancer That Took John McCain & Ted Kennedy; Using Polio & Immunotherapy to Fight Brain Tumors

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