COMFORT, Texas – Brain cancer doesn't discriminate and in many people, the onset of symptoms are very gradual and may be overlooked by both the person with the brain tumor and the person's family members.
Symptoms can come on rapidly, or even for long time periods. One brain cancer survivor credits his family doctor for recognizing he wasn't walking properly.
Every day, 72-year-old Jack Thurman walks with his cane throughout his yard. It may be slow and steady, but for this brain cancer survivor, he said it has given him a new lease on life.
"It gave me four more years to spend with my family; I love all my family, I have a wonderful family, grandchildren," said Thurman.
He said four years ago, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He credits his family doctor for noticing him dragging his left foot and seeing a lapse in his motor skills.
That doctor ordered an MRI right away, which revealed an aggressive form of brain cancer. Less than a month later, a neurosurgeon removed a golf ball-sized tumor from the front of his right temple.
"I'm a firm believer of prayer, and I appreciated everyone's thoughts," said Thurman.
While the surgery has changed his life, forcing him to eat better and exercise more, and relearning his motor skills, he said he's OK with that. Now he has the opportunity to spend more time with his family and his cocker spaniel, Jessie Joe. He said life couldn't be sweeter.
"It gave me a chance to spend more time with them, and watch them grow and it's just been a wonderful result of having the surgery, and it being successful," said Thurman.
Head for the Cure and KSAT 12 are partnering together to bring the walk/run to San Antonio for the first time. The 5K will be held on Sept. 27 and will begin and end in front of the KSAT 12 building.