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Groundbreaking Surgery Gives Bay Area Dad More Life
18 Jun
Summary
- Aggressive brain cancer diagnosis gave patient 1.5 years to live.
- Pioneering surgery uses brain mapping to maximize tumor removal.
- Patient's prognosis extended significantly, offering more quality time.
A Bay Area resident, Joe Quirarte, is defying a grim prognosis for aggressive glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. Diagnosed 1.5 years ago with only 1.5 years to live, Quirarte's outlook has dramatically improved.
Dr. Mitch Berger, a UCSF neurosurgeon, pioneered a surgical method utilizing brain mapping. This technique involves waking the patient during surgery to identify critical brain areas using mild electrical currents while the patient performs tasks. This allows for maximum tumor removal while safeguarding essential functions.
Recent studies suggest this approach can extend life for decades, even with slow-growing gliomas. Quirarte's prognosis has shifted from 1.5 years to potentially three to five more years of good quality life. He cherishes this extended time, focusing on making memories with his wife and two young children.
Quirarte's improved prognosis offers him the chance to be a present father, setting a positive example for his children. He expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to witness more milestones with his family and to continue being a loving husband and dad.
