Angela Read, a 54-year-old resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as olfactory neuroblastoma after initially mistaking her symptoms for a sinus infection. The diagnosis came as a shock to Read, who had been generally healthy throughout her life. Her journey began in 2020, when she started experiencing congestion on one side of her nose, which she initially believed she could manage.
In the early stages, Read attempted various home remedies typically used for sinus infections. However, when her symptoms worsened, including the loss of her sense of taste, she sought medical advice. Following a suggestion from her mother to check for a nasal polyp, Read visited a local physician in Scottsdale. Upon examination, the doctor quickly identified a concerning mass in her nasal cavity.
After a CT scan and an immediate biopsy, the results confirmed her worst fears: she had a malignant tumor. “I had been otherwise healthy my entire life. You just don’t really ever expect that you are going to be the person that’s going to get that news,” Read recounted. She received her diagnosis just before the New Year in 2020, leaving her feeling panicked and unsure of her next steps.
Understanding the rarity of her diagnosis, which affects approximately 3% of nasal cavity tumor cases, Read began researching treatment options. According to the National Cancer Institute, olfactory neuroblastoma affects only 1 in 2.5 million people annually. Fortunately, Read’s cancer had not spread beyond the primary tumor, which she considers a stroke of luck.
After seeking multiple medical opinions, Read decided to pursue treatment at **Johns Hopkins Medicine** in Maryland, where a team of specialists had been extensively researching her condition. “I knew the Hopkins team were my people,” she said.
The treatment plan involved two surgeries and radiation therapy. Her first operation took place on February 1, 2021, followed by a second procedure a week later. Each surgery lasted upwards of 16 hours, focusing on removing the tumor and ensuring that it did not spread. Read expressed immense gratitude for the expertise of her surgical team.
Following her surgeries, Read underwent proton radiation therapy for five weeks, requiring her and her husband to temporarily relocate to Maryland. The extensive treatment was necessary to ensure the complete removal of cancerous cells and to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Now back in Arizona and under medical surveillance, Read remains cancer-free. She travels to Johns Hopkins regularly for follow-up scans and checkups, choosing to maintain her care with the same team that treated her. “It’s a bit of a homecoming every time we come back,” Read noted, reflecting on her experiences.
Despite the challenges resulting from her treatment, including the loss of her sense of smell and necessary surgeries to repair her nasal structure, Read has embraced her new reality. She has adjusted to life without certain sensory experiences but remains optimistic.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared a poignant memory from her first weeks of radiation when she and her daughter were in Maryland during cherry blossom season. “It felt like a bit of a wink that [my father] was right there with me,” she recalled, cherishing the significance of that moment.
Read’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of health and the importance of seeking medical attention for concerning symptoms. Her resilience and positive outlook inspire others facing similar challenges, highlighting the critical role of early diagnosis and effective treatment in overcoming rare medical conditions.
