For most of his life, Jack O’Donnell was as healthy as can be. Even as he headed towards Oklahoma State University, ready to study engineering graphics and design drafting, Jack felt hopeful about his future. In 2021, he was living at home, taking his courses online during the COVID-19 pandemic – but suddenly, he was noticing some things that concerned him: numbness in his left foot and ringing or “whoosh” noises in his ears. After months of pursuing a diagnosis, Jack was eventually diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma, a rare tumor which grows on the brain and spinal cord. 

Interested in learning more about Jack and his experiences? Take a look at the source article from UC Health. 

Jack’s Story

At first, the symptoms above – the numbness and the feeling of fullness and sound in his ears – didn’t concern Jack terribly much. After all, the doctor gave him some nasal spray – thinking it was allergies – and that seemed to be a quick and easy enough treatment.

That is – until Jack experienced a blind spot in his eye for a day. Then, while driving to Oklahoma to pursue an internship, and on his way to his new apartment after, he began experiencing visual seizures. This is when Jack realized that, most likely, something was wrong and decided to pursue additional medical attention. Learn more about visual seizures, also known as occipital lobe seizures. 

After visiting multiple specialists and undergoing an MRI, Jack finally received his diagnosis: oligodendroglioma. At first, Jack and his family were frightened. What were their next steps? Then, Jack explains, a sort of calm washed over him and he decided there was only one way forward – to get rid of the tumor. 

And he did so – on the day of his 21st birthday. Jack underwent surgery at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital – and came home two days later so that he could spend time with his family watching the Super Bowl. 

Since his surgery, Jack has also undergone radiation and oral chemotherapy treatment, and will continue with routine MRIs and chemotherapy moving forward. He is excited about what his future will bring, and advocates for everyone to do their best to remain confident and hopeful, even in the face of unexpected challenges. 

About Oligodendroglioma

An oligodendroglioma is a rare brain tumor which forms from oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell which normally produces protective substances for nerve cells. In rarer cases, the tumor may form on the spinal cord. Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of these tumors. Oligodendroglioma tumors may be cancerous or benign. They account for 2-5% of all primary brain tumors. Research suggests that they are most common between ages 35-60 and tend to affect males slightly more than females. Symptoms can, but do not always, include:

• Headaches
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Language difficulties
• Altered sensations 
• Problems with thinking and memory
• Changes in behavior and personality
• Seizures

Learn more about oligodendroglioma.