More than a statistic

Four years after being diagnosed with an aggressive, fast-growing brain tumor, Lennys Campos knows she’s beating the odds.

Every chance the 57-year-old gets, she’s spreading hope along with awareness about the importance of clinical research, which she credits for keeping her alive, along with her family support system and team at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center.

From devastating diagnosis to remarkable results

Campos was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in June 2021. Glioblastoma affects three per 100,000 people in the United States, with a median survival of 15-18 months, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The diagnosis led her to take an early medical retirement. Her impressive resume included more than 30 years spent as an engineer, during which she worked on the space shuttle in the 1990s. She also was a multinational financial management consultant and owned her own management consulting business, working with Fortune 500 companies around the world.

When Campos began suffering from severe headaches and vision problems, her sister took her to the Emergency Center at Baptist Medical Center South. Imaging detected a brain tumor, later confirmed to be glioblastoma, and she was taken by ambulance to Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville.

Neurosurgeon Ricardo Hanel, MD, PhD, performed a right frontotemporal craniotomy and resection, removing all of the visible tumor. Her care team also included Robert Cavaliere, MD, medical director of neuro-oncology at Baptist MD Anderson, and Patrick Regis, APRN, both of whom checked on her regularly in the hospital. She was also later treated by radiation oncologist Michael Olson, MD, PhD, head of Radiation Oncology, and cared for by neuro-oncology nurse Ashley Davis and clinical trial office nurse Darlene Brabant.

Campos’ treatment involved six weeks of radiation and 13 months of oral chemotherapy medication, along with Optune® therapy as part of a national clinical trial. This new technology uses adhesive patches called transducer arrays that are placed on the scalp to deliver low-intensity, alternating electrical fields called “tumor treating fields.” The fields target the tumor and interfere with the division process of cancer cells.

She said all of the doctors and team members treated her with “compassion, respect and enormous professionalism.”

“I trusted all my Baptist MD Anderson brain team, not only the doctors but the nurses and technicians. They listened to me, patiently answered all my questions and made me and my family feel part of the decision-making process and treatment plan,” she said. “I tell everyone how blessed we are to have Baptist MD Anderson here in Jacksonville.”

She returns every three months for follow-up appointments and MRIs.

“She’s done fantastic. She’s had no signs of reoccurrence,” Dr. Cavaliere said. “She’s always very engaging and has a big smile and she’s full of energy.”

Spreading hope

Campos has continued to wear the device about 24 hours a day, seven days a week since September 2021. She leaves it at home when she goes on vacation twice a year to see Broadway shows and visit museums in New York City.

Her strong support system includes her husband of 33 years and caregiver, Jerry Draper, who shaves her head every two days and replaces the arrays on her scalp, which she covers with a wig. She said her two children, Nicolette and Derek, who live at home and attend college, are also attentive and affectionate. She has the support of her sister Nilda Campos and best friend Susan Quinn who are always there for her, in addition to a mental health counselor.

“I know the statistics show less than 5% of people with glioblastoma survive over five years, but I didn’t come with an expiration date on my body. Only God will determine when I go,” Campos said. “It’s very important to educate and inspire people to have a positive attitude to know what’s possible beyond the statistics.”

‘Looking for the wonderful blessings’

As a way to give back to her care team at Baptist MD Anderson, Campos routinely attends a monthly neuro-oncology social support event started by Dr. Cavaliere for patients and caregivers.

Dr. Cavaliere said Campos provides hope and inspiration to others.

“She has such a gregarious personality. She’s like the life of the party,” he said.

Campos, who lost her college best friend to glioblastoma recently, said it’s important to stay positive.

“I’m always trying to reach new people,” she said. “I try to provide support and hope by listening to their stories and encouraging them to stay positive, and I share my knowledge and findings. There is nothing positive to me being negative or not looking for the wonderful blessings I have to give thanks for every day.”

She added, “I thank God every minute of my life. I have been extremely blessed. I truly believe in the science and technology of Optune and its efficacy.”

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center has everything you need to take on cancer, from cutting-edge technology and treatments to spiritual and emotional support. To learn more, visit BaptistMDAnderson.com or call 1.844.632.2278.

Reference: National Cancer Institute