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A mom's headaches and nausea were dismissed as pregnancy symptoms. She had a brain tumor.
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Jenney Bitner, pregnant and visiting family in San Diego in 2020, was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma after experiencing severe symptoms initially mistaken for pregnancy-related issues.
- Due to the cancer's progression and pregnancy, doctors delivered her baby early at 34 weeks via C-section so she could begin immunotherapy and undergo a second brain surgery to remove the tumor completely.
- Following surgery and immunotherapy, Bitner experienced significant tumor reduction and, despite rare side effects, was declared free of disease by October 2020.
- Experts highlight Bitner’s case as an example of the transformative impact of modern immunotherapy treatments for advanced metastatic cancer patients.
- Nearly six years later, Bitner celebrates her survival, advocates for immunotherapy research, and cherishes time with her family, appreciating life’s everyday moments.
