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By Julie Cerney
 Matthew Twit was 22 when he faced cancer the way he lives life: with optimism and good humor.
Cancer was a complete surprise, but it was also the beginning of hope and healing. Finally Matthew had an answer.
Nearly four years earlier, Matthew had entered Creighton University expecting to have a fairly typical college career. As a freshman with a passion for music, Matthew dove into his studies and into campus life, reserving a portion of each day to play guitar and compose music. He and a classmate formed a band, playing regular gigs at an off-campus nightspot.
But by the spring of his sophomore year, Matthew realized that life had changed. Unusually fatigued, he struggled to do what once came easily. His normally mellow temperament took on an odd edge.
“At first it was just an uneasy feeling, an imbalance,” Matthew remembers, “then I began to feel increasingly anxious.”
When Matthew’s heart rate started soaring for no apparent reason, his mother, Sue, insisted he see a doctor. Something was wrong — but what?
Over the next couple of years, the Twits turned to a dozen physicians at other area health systems. They met with general practitioners, cardiologists and eventually psychiatrists. Matthew’s worsening symptoms were the result of depression and stress, they were told. Mood-altering drugs were the answer.
“But I’m not depressed!” Matthew insisted. One doctor after another said that he must be.
Medications did not seem to help, only to sedate Matthew or produce bewildering new side effects. His parents watched helplessly as their bright, talented son began to lose his easy confidence.
By his senior year, Matthew was struggling with class work, struggling to make it through the day, struggling to walk a straight line. Intense headaches prompted a trio of emergency room visits but no solutions, just more medication for migraine and depression.
“What’s wrong with me?” Matthew wondered. “Am I going crazy?”
Answers came quickly after Omaha-area family practice provider Elvira Rios, MD, ordered Matthew’s first MRI scan in April 2005. The scan revealed the true cause of Matthew’s symptoms: two brain tumors. Dr. Rios referred Matthew to neurosurgeon Douglas Long, MD, telling Sue that this was the specialist she would trust to treat her own child.
Dr. Long, medical director of the Gamma Knife Center, works with an experienced team of cancer specialists who come together at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center for in-depth, interactive reviews of individual cases. As Dr. Long explains, “Our multidisciplinary treatment planning conferences unite physicians and staff from all involved disciplines and sub-specialties. We explore every avenue to provide each patient the best possible care.”
In Matthew’s case, they were battling germinoma, a cancer that is more common in children than young adults. The tumors were putting tremendous pressure on Matthew’s brain. After biopsying the tumors, Dr. Long placed a shunt to release the buildup of spinal fluid. Next came treatment to kill the cancer.
Medical oncologist Margaret Block, MD, consulted with national experts in this rare cancer to design a unique 80-hour treatment program of chemotherapy. Radiation oncologist Randall Duckert, MD, customized a course of radiation therapy, and at the final session, presented Matthew with what he calls his traditional end-of-treatment gift for musicians with brain cancer: a Pink Floyd CD.
Matthew put college on hold for the long journey back but never lost his positive outlook. Matthew’s normal rhythm of life is all about staying upbeat and moving forward. Instead of asking “why me?” he simply said, “OK, let’s fix this.”
As Matthew explains, “Why get caught in a downward spiral of negative thinking? Negative thoughts produce negative outcomes.”
For Matthew, there have been some wonderfully positive outcomes. He beat the cancer, and with the help of his family, friends and care team, was eventually able to return to Creighton. Matthew graduated in August 2007 with a bachelor’s in philosophy and a deep commitment to helping others.
Matthew’s cancer experience, including his desire to connect with people his age battling similar cancers, was the inspiration for the Web site www.MyHopeSpace.com and he assisted with the site’s design. He is a member of Immerman’s Angels, a registry that matches cancer patients for mutual education and support.
In addition, Matthew came forward with input that helped Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center establish the Young Adult Survivor’s Network to give cancer patients age 18 to 40 opportunities to learn, connect and support one another through meetings, social events, telephone and e-mail.
In 2007, Matthew received a Courage Award from Voices Against Brain Cancer at the organization’s annual gala in New York City. Vividly demonstrating his renewed health and considerable musical talent, Matthew played guitar with the band and rocked the stage at the event.
Today, at 26, Matthew is strong, forward-focused and wise beyond his years. A shining supporter of cancer causes and of the disabled, Matthew works to help persons with disabilities attain greater independence and wholeness of life. His future plans may include a graduate degree in social work or counseling.
Cancer, he says, has taught him many lessons.
“The gift of my experience is seeing how precious all life is,” Matthew explains, “and after beating brain cancer, I promise to live my life to its fullest potential.”
Matthew and members of his family made music at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center's 10th Anniversary celebration.
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