About

For those of you reading this who don't know me, my name is Travis Burkman.

On December 26, I was sitting in my recliner with my boys reading them a book. Right about the time my wife Karla walked in, my right arm went straight back and my head turned to the right, like I was straining to reach a Coors...except that I couldn't return to a 'normal' position. I remember Karla asking if I was OK. I remember I could move my eyes and was trying to look at her, but I couldn't turn my head towards her. The next thing I remember is waking up on the floor in her lap, confused as hell. She kept telling me I'd had a seizure, but it just wouldn't register...

Fast forward to the ER after a ride in the back of an ambulance...a CT scan showed a mass on the left side of my brain...an MRI showed the mass to be a tumor. A few days later I had the tumor biopsied, and a few days after that I learned I was diagnosed with a Stage 3 Astrocytoma brain tumor (they rank 1-4 with 4 being worst). That is easily the worst day of my life...

The neurosurgeon in Lincoln considered the tumor inoperable and put me on a treatment plan that consisted of radiation and chemo...all pretty standard other than the fact that it gave me a 50/50 chance of living 5 years (I'm 32). This obviously didn't sit well and there's a lot more to the story...regardless, this sucks.

My wife and I had decided prior to finding out the results that we wanted a second opinion and had made plans/appointments with doctors at the University of Nebraska Med Center in Omaha.

Long story short, we found Dr. Michelle Aizenberg - Neurosurgeon...and on February 2, she's going to remove as much of the tumor as possible. It's a long, difficult surgery...but her reputation is stellar. She is giving us hope. And while there are risks and consequences, it's clear to me this is the opportunity we need.

My wife Karla has been my rock through all of this. She is so strong and refuses to settle for anything. I'm incredibly lucky to have her in my life and by my side. We have twin boys, Timmy and Brody (they turn 3 on Feb 1!), who are truly the joy of our lives. Yes, they are a handful...but we wouldn't change it for the world! The joy and happiness they bring us every single day blows us away. It's been awesome watching them grow and learn...but I have to admit, sometimes I wish it would slow down.

We truly appreciate all of the love and support we have received from our family and friends...it's been nothing short of amazing. Please know you are our strength.