Prayers For Heavy Metal Singer & Mom Of Three Amanda Somerville Diagnosed With ‘Aggressive’ Brain Tumor At 47

Gommans wrote in his September 19th social media post, featuring a selfie with his beloved wife, “Unfortunately, I have some very sad news to share. The love of my life, mother of my three daughters and my beautiful wife Amanda Somerville, has a malignant and aggressive brain tumor.

“We’re shocked, devastated and I can’t describe the challenges we’re facing as a family right now. We’re very grateful with the help we’re getting from family and friends. Positive thoughts help, prayers help, keeping us in your minds help.”

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A post shared by Sander Gommans (@sandergommans)

He concluded, “Please be there for Amanda and our kids and have us in your minds. Feel free to share this message in a respectful way.

“Amanda gives so much to all of us…love, music, friendship, strength….it’s time to send out hope and power to her. Thanks, it means a lot to us.”

A Michigan native, Somerville relocated to Germany in 1999 and spent the following decades embedding herself in the continent’s metal scene, lending her voice to recordings and tours for Avantasia, Epica, Kamelot, After Forever, Ayreon, and a long list of other bands.

She also fronts two of her own bands, Trillium and Kiske/Somerville (with Helloween singer Michael Kiske), and has toured with rock veterans like singer-songwriter Alice Cooper and “Deep Purple” lead singer Ian Gillan.

Fans were quick to offer support , with one commenting on her husband’s post, “Amanda has an unmatched talent and beauty, she has been a part of our lives for so many years with her amazing voice! Wishing all the best and all the strength in world!”

“She will face the disease with courage and strength. Brazil is praying for you and your family. The path will be painful and complicated, but Amanda is gonna be ok,” another commented.

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A post shared by Amanda Somerville (@amandasomervillemusic)

A friend wrote, “Amanda as soon as I read your post. The biggest dose of love, strength, and support from all of us. I wanna believe in miracles and the healing power of love. This shall pass.”

No details about her treatment or prognosis have been made public.

Since it’s unclear the specific type of brain tumor Somerville was diagnosed with, we’d like to point out that it’s possible she is battling a glioma, a tumor originating in the central nervous system (CNS), specifically in the brain or spinal cord. According to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, gliomas account for about 80% of all malignant primary brain tumors.

A glioma originates in glial cells. Glial cells are supportive cells in the brain that protect and maintain the neurons. These types of tumors can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

“Glioma is a broad term that refers to a whole range of different types of primary brain tumors,” Dr. Alexandra Miller, Director of the Neuro-Oncologist Division at NYU Langone Health, previously told SurvivorNet.

“They’re tumors that originate in the brain and very rarely spread outside the brain to other parts of the body.”

RELATED: Neuro-Oncologist’s Three Tips For Newly Diagnosed Glioma Patients

It’s important to understand that the days following a glioma diagnosis are usually overwhelming, and patients may struggle to absorb the information being given to them. That’s why caregivers become essential partners in the treatment process — as they can provide both emotional support and help patients navigate complex medical decisions.

“You have to understand that it’s not your brain — it’s theirs — and it’s a very terrifying moment,” Dr. Rafael Vega, neurosurgical oncologist at Harvard Medical School, also explained to SurvivorNet in an earlier conversation.

Taking on a caregiver role is complex, he told SurvivorNet, but caregivers often become the steady presence patients turn toward when everything feels uncertain.

A Message For Glioma Caregivers: How To Support Your Loved One Through A Diagnosis

What Role Do Caregivers, Like Somerville’s Husband, Play?

During early consultations, patients can be flooded with medical terms, treatment options, and the reality of what comes next. It’s common for people to walk out of the room without remembering half of what was said. Caregivers act as a second set of eyes and ears, helping the patient stay grounded in what they’re hearing.

Dr. Vega tells SurvivorNet that caregivers who are able to attend appointments with the patient should consider taking notes.

“It’s important to actively listen during the clinic visits … if there are questions they didn’t ask because their mind is running, you’ve taken notes and asked for them,” he explains. This can mean writing down the doctor’s instructions, asking the follow-up questions the patient didn’t think of, and making sure everyone understands the plan moving forward.

As a caregiver, you don’t need medical expertise to be effective. What matters most is helping to capture information, clarify decisions, and reduce the emotional burden that comes with the unknown.

Dr. Jayanthi Lea, gynecologic oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, shares some guidance for new cancer caregivers. 

Helping With Decisions & Advocating For Answers

After the shock of diagnosis settles, the next step is often choosing a treatment team. This may include seeking second opinions, comparing surgical approaches, or deciding whether a specialized center is the right fit. Caregivers play a crucial role in this stage because they are often able to ask questions the patient might feel hesitant to raise.

“Not all providers are equal,” Dr. Vega explains, especially when it comes to complex brain tumors. “If somebody’s telling you it cannot be removed, you should absolutely get a second opinion.”

These conversations can feel intimidating for patients who are already overwhelmed, but caregivers can help normalize the idea that exploring options is part of advocating for the best care. And it can be incredibly helpful for the patient to feel like they have backup if needed.

Plus, by taking on the logistical burden — researching surgeons, coordinating records, scheduling appointments — caregivers help restore a sense of control in a moment that can otherwise feel chaotic.

Supporting Someone Through Treatment Fears

Even when surgery is recommended with strong confidence, the thought of brain surgery can be frightening for patients and families. It’s natural to worry about pain, recovery, and whether everything will be the same afterwards. Caregivers often serve as emotional anchors in this stage, providing calm reassurance when fear takes over.

Dr. Vega has performed hundreds of glioma surgeries. What he tells families is simple: you are in good hands and the surgery is important for survival. His message highlights the value of trust — both in the medical team and in the caregiver’s role as a source of stability.

When a patient feels supported, they will hopefully be able to approach surgery with greater confidence and less anxiety. That mindset can make a significant difference during preparation and recovery.

Making Sense of a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), brain tumors account for 85-90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. They can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), and depending on where the tumor forms in the brain, doctors determine its type, potential symptoms, and potential treatment.

WATCH: Debunking 5G Claims Causing Brain Cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors impact a person’s brain function and overall health, depending on their size, type, and location within the brain. Tumors that grow big enough and disrupt normal central nervous system functioning can press on nearby nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues. The disrupted central nervous system can present in various ways, making walking or maintaining balance difficult.

However, it’s important to know that brain tumors do not always cause symptoms.

Other signs of brain tumors may include:

• Headaches
• Difficulty speaking or thinking
• Weakness
• Behavioral changes
• Vision changes
• Seizures
• Loss of hearing
• Confusion
• Memory loss

Types of Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Brain Tumors

A brain tumor can affect you differently depending on its location and if it is cancerous. Some brain tumors are non-cancerous (or benign). According to the National Cancer Institute, some examples of these types of brain tumors include:

• Chordomas are primarily benign and slow-growing and are often found near the tailbone or where the spine meets the skull.
• Craniopharyngiomas are rare, slow-growing tumors that don’t spread to other parts of the brain or body. They form near the pituitary gland, near the base of the brain.
• Gangliocytomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system that tend to form on the temporal lobe (the left or right side of the brain).
• Glomus jugulare is a rare and slow-growing tumor.
• Meningiomas are rare brain tumors that usually form on the outer layer of tissue that covers the brain (dura mater).
• Pineocytomas are rare and slow-growing tumors located in the pineal gland near the middle of the brain.
• Pituitary adenomas are slow-growing brain tumors of the anterior pituitary located in the lower part of the brain.
• Schwannomas are rare tumors that grow on the cells that protect nerve cells. They are called Schwann cells.
• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannoma) are slow-growing tumors that develop from the nerves that help balance and hearing.

Other brain tumors are malignant or cancerous. These kinds of tumors include:

• Gliomas are the most common form of cancerous and aggressive primary brain tumors.
• Astrocytoma (glioma) forms in astrocytes (star-shaped cells). Depending on how aggressive or fast they grow and impact brain tissue, these tumors are classified into four grades.
• Ependymomas are tumors classified into three grades depending on how aggressive or fast they grow.
• Oligodendroglioma tumors are classified into grades depending on their growth speed. Grade 2 oligodendroglioma tumors are slow-growing and can invade nearby tissue, but they may not present symptoms for many years before detection. Meanwhile, grade 3 oligodendroglioma tumors proliferate.
• Medulloblastoma tumors are classified into four different grades depending on their aggressive nature or how quickly they grow.
• Glioblastoma, which is considered a central nervous system (CNS) tumor, is the most common and aggressive brain tumor in adults.

WATCH: Liquid Biopsy: What It Is And Why You Might Need One As a Cancer Patient

How Genetic Testing Can Make a Difference In Your Glioma Treatment Journey

Gliomas are a type of tumor that starts in the brain. They can range from slow-growing (low-grade) to more aggressive forms.

“Nowadays, with not only brain cancers, but cancers in general, there has been a lot that’s been discovered about how different mutations in the tumor actually affect the behavior. Also, there are a number of mutations for which we have drugs that can target those mutations,” Dr. David Peereboom, an oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center in Ohio, tells SurvivorNet.

Biomarkers are essentially a tumor’s “fingerprints.” By studying these fingerprints, doctors can predict what treatments may be most effective and least toxic for you.

“The way to discover that [biomarker] is to do testing,” Dr. Peereboom explains. “The most helpful testing is called Next Generation Sequencing. What that does is it looks at all the DNA in the tumor, and the DNA is analyzed, and there are parts of DNA that may be abnormal or mutated.”

This testing might be performed using tissue obtained during a biopsy, surgery, or a blood test.

“There are a handful of those mutations that are called driver mutations,” Dr. Peereboom adds. “Driver mutations, as the name implies, are mutations that actually drive the behavior of the cancer. And for a handful of those, they’re actually, nowadays, there are some drugs that will target those mutations.”

How is Molecular Testing Done?

Molecular testing is typically performed on a sample of tumor tissue. This tissue is obtained from either surgery or a biopsy. Pathologists conduct the testing; these doctors are specially trained to study the characteristics of tumor tissues.

Molecular testing is widely available throughout the country, making it accessible to most patients diagnosed with gliomas.

What Types of Molecular Testing Are There?

Several molecular testing techniques are used on tissue samples. One method is antibody staining, where pathologists “stain the tumor with an antibody to look for the presence of the IDH mutant protein,” Dr. Alexandra Miller, Director of the Neuro-Oncology Division at NYU Langone Health, explains. Tumors without the mutation will not be visible with the stain. However, tumors that have the IDH mutation will stain or show a color that pathologists can recognize. This is a very common technique pathologists use for many tumor types.

WATCH: Understanding Molecular Testing for Glioma

Another method is molecular sequencing, which Dr. Miller explains is a process where doctors examine the DNA of the tumor cells to find specific changes or mutations in the genes. Both techniques can confirm whether the IDH mutation is present in the tumor cells.

Dr. Miller tells SurvivorNet that molecular testing “should be performed on every glioma.”

By determining whether a tumor carries the IDH mutation, doctors can offer FDA-approved targeted therapies like Vorasidenib, which Dr. Miller calls a “huge breakthrough” that slows the progression of the disease. This personalized approach marks an exciting advancement in the fight against gliomas, giving patients new hope and better treatment options.

WATCH: Who Benefits From Vorasidenib?

The FDA-approved drug Vorasidenib marks a major advance for patients with IDH-mutant gliomas—especially grade 2 tumors. In the INDIGO trial, a Phase 3 clinical trial, it reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 61% and extended progression-free survival (period with stable disease) from 11.1 to 27.7 months. For many patients, that represents a life-changing difference.

Coping with Glioma: Managing the Emotional and Psychological Impact

Beyond the medical aspects of facing a glioma diagnosis, many patients also find themselves struggling with the emotional and psychological challenges a cancer diagnosis can, and often does, bring. It’s natural to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, or uncertainty.

Because glioma treatment can also cause neurological, cognitive, and behavioral changes that affect daily life, acknowledging these challenges and working with your treatment team to find the right sort of support can help you improve your overall wellbeing.

“It’s very individual, related to a person’s personality, their situation, what’s happening in their life, how they react,” Dr. Howard Colman, a neuro-oncologist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, previously told SurvivorNet. “And so the appropriate responses and management has to be very individualized to that patient.”

Coping with Glioma: Managing the Emotional and Psychological Impact

After receiving a glioma diagnosis, it’s common to experience a flood of emotions — shock, disbelief, fear, sadness, or even frustration. You may feel a sense of loss or worry about how the condition will affect your daily life. At the same time, your loved ones may also be struggling as they take on new caregiving roles and provide emotional support.

“Even the lower grade tumors where the treatment is just surgery and observation, it obviously creates a lot pf psychological stress related to the diagnosis and the process of getting the final answer of what it is,” Dr. Colman explained.

Feelings of depression and anxiety are particularly common. Many patients grieve changes to their independence, cognitive abilities, or physical function — but it’s important to recognize that there are support tools available.

Finding the Right Support

“In specialty brain tumor clinics, we generally have social workers, neuropsychologists, case managers, other people who are specialized in dealing with these particular issues — not just cancer patients in general, but with brain tumor patients specifically. And there are very unique challenges for brain tumor patients,” Dr. Colman explains.

The following professionals can help patients find the support they need during the cancer journey:

• The Medical Team (Neurologists & Oncologists): They can provide information about your condition, treatment options, and possible side effects, as well as refer you to specialists for additional support.
• Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors can offer therapy and, if needed, medication to help manage depression, anxiety, or stress.
• Social Workers & Patient Navigators: These professionals can help with financial assistance, accessing resources, and coordinating your care.
• Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand your experience can offer comfort, encouragement, and valuable coping strategies.
• Friends & Family: Your loved ones can provide emotional and practical support, helping with daily tasks and offering a listening ear when needed.

Julie Bulger Gives Some Tips on How Caregivers Can Care for Themselves.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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