In 1983 nobody had any idea what a chordoma was let alone any medical protocols.  October 17, 1983 I had a transphenodial biopsy done at Mass General and then on October 31, 1983 I started my 7000 rads of experimental proton bean radiation therapy at the Harvard Cyclotron in Cambridge.

Over the 30 years I have terrible headaches every day, double vision, tinnitus and lately pituitary failure {hypopituitary}.  I have also worked every day, play golf (not great) and have a great family.  We found out that my wife was pregnant with our first child the first week of proton therapy.

I want everyone to know that we do not have an expiration date just because we have a brain tumor.  I was given less than a year to live; it is now 30 years later!

Good luck to everyone.  My thoughts and prayers are with each of you and your families.

Author: Jonathan Steinberg