Texas Man, 38, Battles Deadly Brain Cancer After Severe Headache

A 38-year-old man from Texas has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer, after experiencing a severe headache that lasted for six days. Branden Newman’s diagnosis followed an emergency room visit in late April, where medical scans revealed a mass in his brain that had wrapped around a critical blood vessel.

Newman, who had a history of migraines since age 13, initially managed his symptoms with over-the-counter painkillers. However, the debilitating headache he experienced this time also brought nausea, dizziness, and heightened sensitivity to light. His wife, Joanna Newman, encouraged him to seek medical attention due to the unusual severity and duration of his migraine.

Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment

After being diagnosed on May 2, 2025, Newman underwent a craniotomy on May 8, where surgeons successfully removed approximately 90 percent of the tumor. Unfortunately, during the procedure, a major blood vessel spasmed, resulting in a stroke that left Newman with limited mobility on his left side.

“I had a headache for six days straight. I wasn’t eating. I was sleeping a lot and just not myself,” Newman recalled in an interview. His recovery has included six weeks of radiation therapy, followed by a regimen of weekly chemotherapy. Currently, he is undergoing daily chemotherapy treatments and taking anti-seizure medications, including perampanel and gabapentin, which have been shown to improve survival rates for glioblastoma patients.

Glioblastoma is known for its challenging treatment due to the tumor’s ability to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. Approximately 12,000 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year in the United States, and survival rates are grim, with only about five percent of patients living longer than five years post-diagnosis.

Awareness and Support

Newman and his wife are childhood sweethearts who began dating in high school and married in 2007. Their relationship faced significant challenges when Joanna was diagnosed with a non-cancerous spinal cord tumor shortly after their wedding. Branden supported her through surgery and recovery, showcasing the strength of their bond.

Following his own diagnosis, Joanna has been by Newman’s side, providing care and support during this difficult time. The couple has also initiated a fundraising campaign to cover the extensive medical bills associated with his treatment. The campaign has raised over $140,000, significantly surpassing their initial goal of $35,000.

As part of glioblastoma awareness efforts, Newman shared his story on July 16, coinciding with Glioblastoma Awareness Day. He hopes to raise awareness about the symptoms of this aggressive cancer, which can include persistent headaches, vomiting, changes in appetite, and alterations in mood or personality.

While most headaches are not indicative of serious conditions, health professionals encourage individuals experiencing unusual or severe symptoms to consult with their primary care providers. Newman’s journey highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis and the supportive role of loved ones during health crises.