'GMA' host Michael Strahan's daughter Isabella undergoes second brain surgery amid brain cancer battle
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Isabella Strahan, the daughter of former NFL star Michael Strahan, bravely faced a second brain surgery as part of her ongoing battle with a malignant brain tumor.
The 19-year-old, who has been sharing her health journey on YouTube, underwent the unexpected procedure following setbacks in her recovery from chemotherapy.
Isabella Strahan undergoes second brain surgery amid recovery journey
In her YouTube series, Isabella documented her journey after undergoing emergency surgery in October 2023 to remove a large medulloblastoma from her cerebellum. However, an unforeseen setback prompted her to undergo a second craniotomy, nearly five months after the initial surgery.
Expressing nervousness and apprehension, Isabella candidly shared her feelings before the procedure, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding her recovery.
In the vlog, Isabella says she'll go into surgery at 8 a.m. nearly five months after her first craniotomy.
“I’m actually very nervous. I’m more nervous for this one because it’s not like my brain that they’re messing with, it’s not as deep, but I’m curious as to what recovery would look like,” she said. “I’m not excited at all. I’m actually kind of nervous.”
Also Read: 'GMA' host Michael Strahan announces new role as granddad after daughter Tanita welcomes baby boy
“Yay. How lucky am I to get another brain surgery,” she added sarcastically.
Following the surgery, Isabella faced intense pain and discomfort, describing the harrowing experience of being in agony and screaming during moments of distress.
After the surgery, she appeared in bed in the hospital, her whole head covered in bandages, and she acknowledged that the pain was unbearable.
“I’m in so much pain and this sucks. I was in so much pain earlier, I was like screaming. This is not fun,” she said. “Hopefully this is what was causing all my fevers and why I’ve been in the hospital for a week. So hopefully I will get to go home soon after I heal from this. But I don’t feel my best.”
Isabella shared a picture of the back of her head that had been stapled up following surgery, capturing the agonizing moment when she yelled in pain as her surgeon took out a tube from inside her skull. She tried to maintain her optimism while describing how difficult the healing process is.
“My face is so puffy, it’s insane. I feel really awful and I was not expecting to come out in this head wrap thing,” she said. “I’m just in a lot of pain. It sucks. I was way more drugged up for my first surgery because it was more invasive. It’s not fun getting your head cut open,” she continued.
“It’s not fun but I’m super glad I can still walk and talk and they didn’t touch my brain because doing that again would be really really rough and I don’t think I could do it. I could do it but it would be rough again.”
Isabella said that due to the unanticipated craniotomy, her second round of chemotherapy has been postponed by one week. Going into chemotherapy before giving oneself enough time to heal would be "horrible," according to her.
“I feel like I lost every progress of my walking since October,” she teased before remembering, “This isn’t the worst it’s been!”
Internet showers Isabella Strahan with support
The online community rallied around Isabella Strahan as she shared her journey following her second brain surgery, which she documented in her YouTube series.
Isabella, who previously underwent emergency surgery in October 2023 to remove a large medulloblastoma from her cerebellum, continued to inspire and uplift her viewers with her resilience.
One user expressed their admiration for Isabella's courage, describing, "OMG Isabella!! Your Vlog’s are so encouraging. Watching you climb these stairs of getting better means so much to those of us watching your channel. Sometimes we regress and feel like we’re having one set back after another. Sometimes it’s not what you go through! Its what you get through. You are so climbing those steps! One Day at time One Step at a time! Many Hats Off to YOU for sharing and keeping us and everyone else for your encouragement for those who have Cancer. You’re doing a Terrific Job!"
Another user echoed similar sentiments, expressing pride in Isabella's bravery saying "So proud of you Isabella!! You are brave and so inspiring. You got this !!"
The other user wrote, "Isabella what a strong woman! Imagine coming out of surgery and able to talk to us. Girl you truly rock!!! We got your back!!"
Others praised Isabella's strength and resilience, saying "YOUR STRENGTHEN AND BRAVERY IS INSPIRING ISABELLA!!! YOU GOT THIS BABE!!!! SENDING LOTS OF LOVE AND HUGS YOUR WAY!!!!"
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
More from MEAWW
Carrie Underwood reveals what kind of judge she’ll be on ‘American Idol’ as she replaces Katy Perry
