- The USC freshman is scheduled to undergo chemotherapy in February
- Her doctors revealed that they had to remove her eggs to preserve her fertility.
- “You definitely don't expect something like that when you're 18 or 19,” Isabella told GMA
Isabella Strahan, 19, has spoken about the “difficult” and “painful” process of egg retrieval to give her the best chance of having children in the future as she prepares for chemotherapy for her rare brain tumor.
Her host father on Good Morning America and the USC freshman spoke Thursday about her battle for health after doctors discovered a tumor larger than a golf ball growing in the back of her brain.
In a new GMA segment that aired Friday, Isabella's doctor, Dr. David Ashley, director of Duke University's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, said that as she entered the next phase of her treatment for medulloblastoma, they had to collect eggs for “fertility preservation.”
Isabella said it wasn't a conversation she expected at 19 years old.
Isabella Strahan, 19, (pictured) has spoken about the “difficult” and “painful” process of egg retrieval as she prepares for chemotherapy
The teenager's doctor, Dr. David Ashley (pictured), appeared on GMA on Friday morning and explained more about her prognosis
“It was definitely difficult. The process was, “I’m not going to lie, it’s painful, but I got through it,” she said.
“It's definitely tough, but at 18 or 19 you definitely don't expect any of this. Definitely a shock.”
Isabella's doctor said that although the type of tumor was “incredibly rare” (fewer than ten cases a year in patients her age), her prognosis was good.
“There are four types of medulloblastoma, and Isabella has what is called a WNT subtype of it,” explained Dr. Ashley on GMA.
“Patients' chances of survival beyond five years are over 90 percent and the majority are completely cured,” he continued. “With Isabella, I'm very optimistic that her outcome will be great.” “She's doing great.”
Michael said: “As a parent he was thrilled to have Dr. “Hearing Ashley’s prognosis and thanking the public for their support.”
“As for Isabella, yesterday was something for her to share publicly,” he shared Friday morning. “It just shows she’s lighter, it doesn’t get on her nerves.”
“Thank you everyone for your love, your support – we couldn't be more grateful,” the father of four continued emotionally.
“So thank you to everyone out there. Thank you to everyone here. I couldn't ask for a better family around me at work and at home. “So thank you very much,” the NFL star said.