“Improvise, adapt, and overcome.” That’s something my dad, a former Marine, always said—and it’s how I try to live my life.
I’m Ryann—a 44-year-old mom of two, a singer at heart, and someone others always count on. I grew up in a loving New Jersey home full of people, laughter, and chaos. Taking care of others is just who I am. Whether I’m raising my kids, connecting in community, or performing, I try to live with heart and resilience.
That resilience was tested in ways I never expected.
For years, I had experienced daily headaches and constant exhaustion. I chalked it up to “Single Momming,” something I am quite good at, if I do say so myself. My best friend urged me to go to the doctor, but I refused, telling her, “It’s not a toomah!” (If you know, you know.)
Boy oh boy, I was wrong on that one.
At the start of 2024, I noticed I was losing track of things and struggling to keep up with even easy everyday tasks. I tried to convince myself I was just overwhelmed. Thankfully, my now-fiancé Justin insisted on taking me to the ER.
There, doctors discovered a tumor the size of a grapefruit in my frontal lobe. After surgery, I was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM). It was terrifying. I’ve always been the helper, not the one asking for help, but I knew I couldn’t do cancer alone.
I got through radiation and chemotherapy leaning on my family and friends. When radiation ended, my oncologist introduced me to a medical device called Optune Gio®, and I met with a MyNovocure® Device Support Specialist (DSS). When I learned Optune Gio uses Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) to help slow or stop cancer cells, using it felt like a no-brainer. I wanted every tool possible in my fight.
Shaving my head was one of the hardest moments for me (hair is a big deal!). But my kids and Justin stood right there with me, and somehow we even laughed through it. That’s kind of how we do things.
Adjusting to life with Optune Gio took a little time, but we figured out a routine. Changing my arrays only takes us about 10 minutes now. What once felt overwhelming is now just part of my life. When I have occasional scalp irritation, my care team helps me manage it so I can stay consistent with my treatment—and keep traveling, spending time with my family, and living my life. I’ve become thankful for the smallest moments—driving my kids to practice, tripping over shoes by the front door, just being present. It’s not always easy, but those moments mean everything to me now.
Cancer has changed my perspective, no doubt, but it hasn’t taken away who I am. Every day, I wake up grateful. Every night, I ask my kids what the best part of their day was. And every step of the way, I remind myself: Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
Important Safety Information
What is Optune Gio® approved to treat?
Optune Gio is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device indicated to treat a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adult patients 22 years of age or older.
Newly diagnosed GBM
If you have newly diagnosed GBM, Optune Gio is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide (TMZ) if:
- Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND
- You have had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible
Recurrent GBM
If your tumor has come back, Optune Gio can be used alone as an alternative to standard medical therapy if:
- You have tried surgery and radiation and they did not work or are no longer working AND
- You have tried chemotherapy and your GBM has been confirmed by your healthcare professional
Who should not use Optune Gio?
Optune Gio is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have:
- An implanted medical device (programmable shunt), skull defect (missing bone with no replacement), or bullet fragment. Optune Gio has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may cause the devices not to work properly, and Optune Gio has not been tested in people with skull defects or bullet fragments, which may cause Optune Gio not to work properly
- A known sensitivity to conductive hydrogels (the gel on the arrays placed on the scalp like the ones used on EKGs). When Optune Gio comes into contact with the skin, it may cause more redness and itching or may rarely cause a life-threatening allergic reaction
Do not use Optune Gio if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Optune Gio is safe or effective during pregnancy.
What should I know before using Optune Gio?
Optune Gio should only be used after receiving training from qualified personnel, such as your doctor, a nurse, or other medical staff who have completed a training course given by Novocure®, the maker of Optune Gio.
- Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune Gio Treatment Kit sent to you by Novocure or given to you by your doctor
- Do not get the device or transducer arrays wet
- If you have an underlying serious skin condition on the scalp, discuss with your doctor whether this may prevent or temporarily interfere with Optune Gio treatment
What are the possible side effects of Optune Gio?
Most common side effects of Optune Gio when used together with chemotherapy (temozolomide, or TMZ) were low blood platelet count, nausea, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, scalp irritation from the device, headache, seizure, and depression. The most common side effects when using Optune Gio alone were scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and headache. Other side effects were malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these side effects or questions.
Please visit OptuneGio.com/Safety for the Optune Gio Instructions For Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.