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Patient Credits Early Detection Of Tumor To CBS 3

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Early results from a research project are finding a surprisingly high number of undetected brain tumors. One of the patients discovered he had a tumor after watching a story on CBS 3.

He went on to make a crucial decision that helped to save his life.

Janet D'Alesandro is cooking all kinds of goodies for her boyfriend, John Forren, helping him recover from brain surgery.

"It's a little tender, but it's healing very well," Forren said. Forren, 63, had no symptoms and is in great shape. He's an experienced scuba diver and instructor, a volunteer firefighter and adventure traveler.

Forren was watching CBS 3 back in October and saw our story on a mobile MRI unit offering free screenings in several cities. "I saw the mobile unit there, so I strolled over and the rest is history."

Follow up testing revealed a sizable tumor that was actually life-threatening. It was successfully removed during a 14-hour operation on February 3.

"The prognosis is very good," Forren said.

D'Alesandro wrote a letter to let us know how our story started the process that saved Forren's life. "CBS 3, I love you for making that decision," she said.

Forren was among 343 people scanned in that mobile unit and problems were found in 15. That number was higher than expected.

Final results of the study are expected soon, when we'll get a better idea of how many people might have undetected brain tumors and what should be done.

 

 

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