New York City, New York – A selfie taken by Megan Troutwine during a trip to New York City eight years ago turned out to be life-changing. While visiting her late cousin Tony Martinez in Harlem, Troutwine and Martinez explored the city and took photos together. Little did Troutwine know that this innocuous selfie would lead to a shocking discovery about her health.
During their time in Midtown, Troutwine and Martinez visited Rockefeller Center, where Troutwine snapped a selfie next to the reflecting pool and fountains on Sixth Avenue. Upon reviewing the photo, Troutwine noticed something unusual – her eyelid was drooping. Concerned by this sudden change, she mentioned it to her neurologist upon returning to Florida.
After undergoing an MRI, Troutwine received devastating news – she had a benign mass growing rapidly inside her brain. Further testing revealed a meningioma, the most common form of brain cancer. Troutwine immediately began treatment at Tampa’s Moffitt Cancer Center, where she underwent surgery to remove the tumor, only to discover a glioma, another primary brain tumor.
Doctors informed Troutwine that the tumor would continue to grow slowly, requiring lifelong monitoring. Additionally, she was found to carry the PTEN gene mutation, predisposing her to other cancers. Since her initial diagnosis, Troutwine has battled breast and uterine cancer, undergoing treatments to fight the diseases.
Despite the challenges she faced, Troutwine remains optimistic and grateful for the support she has received. Working as a health unit coordinator at Moffitt, she has encountered inspiring individuals and is determined to help others facing similar struggles. Troutwine’s story recently gained attention in a report by her local Fox station, shedding light on her journey and resilience.
Looking ahead, Troutwine plans to pursue a degree in public health, driven by her passion for assisting people in need. Reflecting on her experiences, she acknowledges that while cancer was not her choice, the opportunity to make a positive impact on others through her work is a blessing. Returning to New York only once since her cousin’s passing, Troutwine visited the city to honor the memories shared with him, making the trip a poignant reminder of the importance of their bond.