In July 2020, our lives were turned upside down when Ira was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer. Suddenly, we were faced with an overwhelming number of decisions, many of which had to be made quickly.
After more than 45 years of marriage, Ira relied on me to do the required research and present our options. As we contemplated our next steps, we had to be mindful of the ramifications of the pandemic. Was it safe to travel to another state for second opinions, brain surgery or Standard of Care treatments?
After meeting with Dr. Kevin Lillehei, the chair of Neurosurgery, and the neuro-oncology team (Dr. Douglas Ney and Dr. Chad Rusthoven) at the University of Colorado Hospital, Ira felt it was in his best interest to remain in Colorado. His craniotomy, six weeks of chemo/radiation, and six months of chemo treatments did not mandate out-of-state treatments.
Throughout the first year, we arranged video chats with second opinion doctors at several out of state hospitals as well as with a well known nutritionist who specializes in cancer protocols and a local naturopath with a specialty in oncology. I continued to research options and tweak our lifestyle modifications.
We remain grateful that Ira’s day-to-day life has yet to be significantly impacted by the brain cancer or the treatments. While undergoing chemo, he was able to ski more than 20 times, snowshoe at altitude, go horseback riding in the snow, and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. We celebrated life and our anniversary by traveling to Kauai. In 2022, we took advantage of another ski season. Our travels included adventures to Spain/Portugal, Israel, Iceland, Scottsdale, Chicago, and St. George, Utah.
We realize that this is not the norm and are grateful for every moment we share together. Most glioblastoma patients are unable to return to an active lifestyle after surgery and treatments.
On this page, I share our experiences and what we are learning as our journey unfolds. Ira’s determination to beat the odds will hopefully inspire others to embrace life instead of their cancer diagnosis. #EmbraceLifeDefeatGlio
Shortly before the 2022 Colorado Brain Tumor Walk & Race, Ira created the motto—Keep Moving; No Regrets.
Glioblastoma Story Receives NATJA Bronze Medal
Category 129: Lifestyle, Health, and Wellness Travel
Gold Award: Anne Sigmon, “In the Garden of the Fox”, Wandering in Japan: The Spirit of Tokyo, Kyoto and Beyond
Silver Award: Hillary Richard, “Why Do Travel Tales Put People to Sleep?”, National Geographic Travel
Bronze Award: Sandy Bornstein, “The Benefits of Traveling While Coping with Glioblastoma, an Incurable Brain Cancer”, Wander Magazine
https://issuu.com/wander-mag/docs/wander_early_summer_2022 on Page 100
Honorable Mention: Terri Colby, “Sky high, stargazing in the Midwest”, Chicago Tribune
Honorable Mention: Nina Karnikowski, “Reigniting a Sense of Earth Stewardship — and Discovering Soliphilia — Hiking Australia’s Granite Belt”, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler
Resources and Tips for Glioblastoma & Incurable Cancer
How Skiing and Travel Have Enriched Ira’s Glioblastoma Journey
When Ira was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July 2020, I doubted that we would ski again. On December 5, 2022, Ira started his 3rd post glio diagnosis ski season. I stood in awe and then wrote this story.
To bring more awareness to glioblastoma, Sandy contributed a story to The Healthy, a Reader’s Digest publication.
Denver Channel 7 News Focus on Ira’s 27 Month Glioblastoma Journey (Nov 2022)
November 2022 interview with Danny New, Positivity Reporter with Denver Channel 7 News.
After contributing a story to the Summit Daily’s longevity project, Ira and Sandy were interviewed by Eliza Noe.
Readers Share Their Cancer Stories as Part of the Longevity Project
To support Summit County’s Longevity Project, Sandy shared their glioblastoma journey.
Reflecting on 2022 Colorado Brain Tumor Walk & Race
On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the Bornstein family, using the team name, Keep Moving: No Regrets joined more than 700 people for this National Brain Tumor Society event at Denver’s Sloan Lake. After less than a month after enrolling our team, the family raised more than $17,000, the second highest amount.
Channel 7 News Clip Promoting Colorado Brain Tumor Walk & Race
To promote this fundraiser, Sandy and Ira were interviewed by Denver 7.
Reflecting on Glioblastoma (GBM) Awareness Day—July 20, 2022
After two years of coping with GBM, Sandy continues to encourage glioblastoma patients and their caregivers to keep moving and to live each day without regrets. She shares family and travel highlights along with a couple of Ira’s TV interviews broadcasted to coincide with GBM Awareness Day.
The Biology of Belief and Glioblastoma
After reading Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds and CURED: The Life-Changing Science of Spontaneous Healing, I looked for more information regarding the connection between one’s thoughts and one’s health. I came across Dr. Bruce Lipton’s research and share what I learned in this story.
Should Glioblastoma Patients Investigate Radical Remission?
After Ira was diagnosed with glioblastoma, he was certain he could beat the odds. To learn more about the people who survived terminal cancer, Sandy read Kelly Turner’s book, Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds and now shares what she learned.
Mark Your Calendar -Glioblastoma Awareness Day – July 21, 2021
To bring attention to Glioblastoma, Sandy highlights Ira’s ability to embrace life after a glio diagnosis.
Optune Device
New TSA Protocols for Optune Users at US Airports
Novocure led the way in providing useful information for TSA agents so that Optune users can have easier travel days.
University of Colorado Cancer Center Website: A Wearable Device to Treat Brain Tumors
This story highlights the Optune clinical trials at CU Anschutz and Ira’s success using the device.
Opinions: A Device, not just drugs, is helping my husband beat cancer
Sandy wrote this opinion article for the Colorado Sun to bring attention to the fact that Medicare and insurance companies deny coverage for the FDA approved Optune device worn by glioblastoma patients.
Living Without Regrets: Tips for Traveling the World With Optune
Sandy and Ira worked together to write this tip story for Optune users who want to travel.
Eating/Food and Cancer
Optune Website: Learning to Rethink Cooking After a Glioblastoma Diagnosis
The Unique Culinary Tour Not to Miss in Jerusalem
While touring Jerusalem, Sandy and Ira participated in a Machaneh Yehuda Food Tour. Sandy shares the highlights.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Unique Cooking Class in Israel
Learning how to cook regional dishes enriches one’s understanding of unfamiliar cultures. While in the Galilee, Sandy and Ira enjoyed a Druze cooking workshop. Sandy shares key moments from the experience.
Eat to Beat Disease and Glioblastoma
Sandy shares what she learned after reading Dr. Li’s Eat to Beat Disease. She incorporated many of his ideas into her post-diagnosis menus.
Cancer Cookbooks and Glioblastoma
After Ira’s diagnosis, Sandy realized that food was an important aspect of the healing process. But, what should Ira eat? And did food make a difference. The Living Kitchen and Cancer-Fighting Kitchen are excellent resources. Read this story to find out why.
Dining in Sanibel-Captiva Islands
Luckily, fresh seafood is part of Ira’s nutrient-dense diet. The Florida coast has an abundance. During a mid-April, 2021 getaway, The Traveling Bornsteins tested out eating a healthy diet while traveling to a coastal region.
Grand Hyatt Vail Healthy Cuisine
Yes, you can maintain a healthy diet while on a ski trip. It is possible to avoid burger and pizza.
Healthy Dining at Vista Verde Ranch
This luxury dude ranch accommodated our dietary needs while Ira was undergoing chemo treatments.
Staying Active with Cancer
The Traveling Bornsteins’ Motto for 2022: Keep Moving-No Regrets
How Skiing and Travel Have Enriched Ira’s Glioblastoma Journey
When Ira was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July 2020, I doubted that we would ski again. On December 5, 2022, Ira started his 3rd post glio diagnosis ski season. I stood in awe and then wrote this story.
The Benefits of Exercise for Glioblastoma Patients
What have researchers discovered about glioblastoma patients who remain physically active after diagnosis? Read this post to find out.
Traveling with Glioblastoma
The Traveling Bornsteins’ Motto for 2022: Keep Moving-No Regrets
Cruising Iceland with Silversea Cruises
About two years after Ira’s glioblastoma diagnosis, Sandy and Ira embarked on coastal exploration of Iceland aboard the Silver Whisper.
Living Without Regrets: Tips for Traveling the World With Optune
Sandy and Ira worked together to write this tip story for Optune users who want to travel.
The Benefits of Traveling with Glioblastoma
Can you travel with glioblastoma? In many instances, the answer is yes. Since the response is dependent on many factors, glioblastoma patients and caregivers should seek medical advice for the answer to this question. Sandy shares some of her travel experiences in this round up style story.
Travel Through Israel’s Mystical Landscape
Sandy provides a brief overview of Jerusalem, Hebron, Tzfat, Golan, Sderot, the ANU Museum of the Jewish People, and Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev in this Wander Magazine story.
Trekking Across Israel’s Diverse Terrain
After four trips to Israel, Sandy showcases the amazing geography of this small country. From a waterfall in the north to the Mediterranean coastal regions to the Negev Desert in the south, Israel will appeal to most travelers.
Exploring 7 Cities on a Spanish Immersion Cruise
What is the best way to visit multiple cities within a short period of time? An immersion cruise is a great option for coastal ports. Sandy shares what she learned during an Azamara cruise.
Spring Back Into Travel By Cruising
While the travel industry suffered greatly during the pandemic, cruise travel ground to a halt. Convincing people to return to sailing was not easy. In this story, Sandy shares her experiences aboard a December 2021 Celebrity Apex sailing.
Essential Tips for Traveling with Glioblastoma
It is possible for a percentage of glioblastoma patients to safely travel. In this story, I raise many questions and offer an abundance of tips to help guide you through the process of planning a memorable trip.
Traveling During the 2021 Pandemic With Ira’s Glioblastoma
After receiving Ira’s diagnosis in July 2020, it was impossible to imagine traveling. Once it became apparent that Ira was strong enough to travel, I started planning. This story provides an overview of our active adventures.
Recapping 2021: Living with Ira’s Glioblastoma and Thriving
At the end of 2021, I share more information about our 2021 travel experiences. If you love to travel, try not to let a glioblastoma diagnosis stand in your way to learning more about the world.
Reboot at Arizona’s Civana Wellness Resort & Spa
To add diversity to our travel schedule, we spent several days at this wellness resort. After going outside our comfort zones and trying aerial yoga, we are hooked on the concept. We can’t wait for our next wellness journey.
Celebrating Wedding Anniversary in Kauai, Hawaii
To celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary and life, Sandy and Ira explored Kauai.
Spring Getaway to Captiva Island, Florida
A late spring getaway took us to romantic and picturesque Captiva Island.
Tackling the Back Bowls at Vail While Media Guests at the Grand Hyatt Vail
Can you believe that until spring 2021, I had never skied at Vail? Thanks to a media trip hosted by the Grand Hyatt Vail, Ira and I explored this amazing terrain and our youngest son, Jordan, led the way to the famous back bowls.
While Ira was undergoing chemo, we went horseback riding, snowshoeing, and learned archery at Vista Verde Ranch, a luxury dude ranch near Steamboat, Colorado.
New Year’s Tradition at Keystone Resort
Glioblastoma and chemo did not stop Ira from skiing more than 20 times with glioblastoma in 2021. We began this milestone on New Year’s.
BIO
Sandy Bornstein is the author of 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die. The book offers an easy way to pinpoint your best options in this sunny, high altitude college town. Sandy’s second book, May This Be the Best Year of Your Life highlights her living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. She was a licensed Colorado teacher who taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad. Sandra also taught college-level courses at Front Range Community College and the University of Colorado-Boulder.
In addition to reviewing books and interviewing authors, Sandra is an award-winning author and lifestyle and travel journalist. Many of Sandra’s travel stories appear on the For Readers Page. To follow Sandra and Ira’s travel adventures, visit TheTravelingBornsteins website.
Connect with Sandra