Michael Strahan’s Daughter Faces New Battle in Her Cancer Journey

Dealing with a different set of symptoms than what she has become accustomed to since her brain tumor diagnosis, the 19-year-old model shared details in the latest installment of her YouTube series.

“I feel like every time I come here, I’ve got a different problem,” Isabella said, referencing her multiple trips back to the hospital since having emergency surgery in October last year to remove a medulloblastoma – a malignant brain tumor.

In Isabella’s latest vlog, she is wrapped in a cozy blanket undergoing her second round of chemotherapy at the Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Durham, North Carolina. As a nurse is seen accessing the chemo port in her upper stomach, it prompts a conversation about needles.

“I feel like if you told me I’d be doing this back in the summer, I’d be like, ‘Pshh, I hate needles, what?’ This is my biggest fear. I hate needles,” she said. “But I guess I got used to them,” Isabella noted.

What Isabella can’t get used to though, is the completely different symptoms she’s dealing with recently.

“Last time it was my head,” she said in reference to her second craniotomy. “Now, I literally can’t walk without being lightheaded or out of breath.”

“These are completely opposite of symptoms,” she further explained. “At least when I wanted to cut off my head I could take pain medicine. Now, I can’t take anti-exhaustion medicine or something.”

There is a silver lining among the debilitating symptoms she’s experienced – the nausea has eased enough that she’s now “in the mood for food” and eating two full meals a day, the most she’s been eating per day in a long time.

Isabella also shared the preparation needed for one of the chemotherapy drugs. With her seated in a chair with her feet, and later her hands, in ice buckets, Isabella explained the reason.

“We’re icing my feet. It helps prevent neuropathy because Vincristine, one of the chemo drugs I get, that’s a side effect,” she said. “We’ve got the chemo bags of ice. So I’m gonna put my hands in here for a while.”

As we reported, Isabella’s second craniotomy took place early in March and it was an unexpected turn of events after she came down with a fever.

“I have a fever again. I got a fever, 102, and had to come back in. So, we’re trying to find out what’s wrong, but no one can find out what’s wrong. I don’t know, this is like the worst fever I think I’ve had,” she commented.

What began with a fever ultimately led to another medical intervention.

Isabella shared with her followers that her last-minute surgery involved draining fluid from the back of her head because her scar became infected in the process of healing from the previous procedure. She explained that while she would be under anesthesia, doctors would insert a needle into her head to carry out the drainage.

Clearly, this was not part of her plans for the day. The girl hadn’t anticipated returning to the hospital so soon.

“Very not what I planned to do because I didn’t plan on coming back,” she said. “So, going in for surgery. Wish me luck.”

Surgeons meticulously cleaned out Isabella’s scar for infection and replaced a section of her skull with a titanium plate. Upon waking up, she cracked a joke about being “part titanium,” yet beneath the humor, Isabella was truly in agony.

“I’m in so much pain, and my head is wrapped like this. My face is extremely puffy, and this sucks. I was in so much pain earlier, I was like screaming. This is not fun,” Isabella shared, her voice raspy with pain.

In her post-surgery vlog, she shared that her face was really swollen, and she felt terrible seeing herself in the bathroom mirror wearing a head wrap. No one had told her that she would have to wear it after the procedure was done. Comparing this time to her previous surgery, Isabella mentioned feeling less drugged up. Despite the pain, she stayed positive and grateful that she could still walk and talk.

Isabella mentioned that her second round of chemotherapy had been delayed by a week due to the unexpected craniotomy. She said that it would be “terrible” to undergo chemotherapy without giving herself enough time to heal completely.

Later, she was seen struggling to walk through the hospital, with one of her doctors assisting her.

“Hopefully, this is what was causing all my fevers and why I’ve been in the hospital for a week. Hopefully, I will get to go home soon after I heal from this,” she said.

With her dad and loved ones by her side, Isabella was recovering from the painful treatment. Her dad, Michael, was seated in an armchair in Isabella’s hospital room, waiting for his daughter to wake up. Slouched and tired, he continued to guard his daughter’s hospital bed, ready to be there for her whenever she needed him.

From unexpected surgeries to enduring chemotherapy, Isabella continues to battle cancer, sharing her journey for the world to see. She remains hopeful for a speedy recovery, supported by her family, including her father, Michael Strahan. Her vlogs tell a heartbreaking yet inspiring story, where a young 19-year-old girl keeps her head up through hardships and pain.

As previously reported on February 23, 2024:

Devoted father Michael Strahan shared an update on his 19-year-old daughter Isabella Strahan’s battle with cancer on “GMA,” shedding light on the challenges and the unwavering spirit of resilience within his family. “It is tough to see her go through it, but I know she’s a tough young lady, and she’s gonna make it through,” Michael expressed.

Isabella—diagnosed in October with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer—has become a beacon of courage. As reported by her doting dad, her decision to document her journey is based on her desire to offer a message of solidarity and support for others facing similar battles.

Recently, Isabella was hospitalized following the commencement of a new chemotherapy treatment this month. Though the impact of Isabella’s health woes has not been easy on the teen or her family, her father remains a pillar of strength, drawing on the support of his co-hosts and the public alike.

The outpouring of upliftment from fans has been overwhelming, with many taking to social media to send prayers and good wishes Isabella’s way. Comments like “She is a true fighter! She will prevail! 💪🏼👏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼😍 The love is truly infectious. Beautiful family,” and“I love this girl and I have never met her. Prayers Isabella,” reflect the collective hope and affection from people touched by Isabella’s bravery.

Another supporter expressed their sorrow to see the 19-year-old face a challenging time in her life, stating, “Breaks my heart to see her going through this 🙏🏼.”

Isabella’s cancer journey, marked by vulnerability and tenacity, was documented in a video segment aired during the show. She provided an intimate glimpse into one of her chemotherapy sessions, revealing the “big bag of chemo” being administered and sharing her feelings of stress and worry about potential complications.

Visits from her twin sister Sophia Strahan, her mother Jean Muggli, and Michael’s girlfriend Kayla Quick during these sessions underscored the close-knit support structure holding her up. Michael’s touching visit, complete with Chick-fil-A treats and adherence to hospital safety protocols, highlighted the day-to-day moments of care and love that sustain Isabella through her treatment.

Further detailing her experience, Isabella shared insights into the aftermath of her hospital stay. She’s had physical discomfort and gave details about feeling pain in her jaw and tongue. Yet, amidst the challenges, she found solace in returning home, cherishing the simple pleasures of sleeping in her own bed and planning physical activities like walking and stretching.

Her candidness about preferring the safety of the hospital environment, yet enjoying the comfort of home, offered a nuanced view of the emotional landscape navigated by those undergoing cancer treatment.

As the Strahan family continues to face this challenge, the support and prayers from the public echo a collective wish for Isabella’s recovery. In sharing her story, Isabella Strahan reminds people of the empowerment found in being vulnerable and the power of community in the face of adversity.

As previously reported on January 17, 2024:

Since announcing her brain cancer battle publicly, Isabella Strahan has been documenting her journey through YouTube videos. In her third vlog, she marked the conclusion of her challenging radiation treatments by ringing the victory bell at the hospital.

Michael Strahan’s daughter began the video with her morning routine, making her way to the hospital and filling out an electronic form. Many cheered for Isabella as she made her way through the hospital lobby.

As her session ended, Isabella was greeted by family and hospital staff, who cheered and clapped for her as she happily rang the victory bell. The teenager, dressed in a gray sweater and jeans, was all smiles while crying and hugging her dad.

The revelation of her cancer battle came earlier through an exclusive interview with Good Morning America, where she gave the public an insight into the challenges she faced and the strength she exhibited throughout the journey.

During the interview, Isabella Strahan talked about her medulloblastoma diagnosis in late October. The brain tumor, rare for those her age, is often found in younger children.

Then a freshman at the University of Southern California, Isabella started experiencing excruciating headaches that only worsened with time. After vomiting blood, Isabella realized that something was deeply wrong and sought medical attention.

After a series of tests, Isabella’s father was told of the diagnosis before she was. “I don’t really remember much,” Michael said. “I just remember trying to figure out how to get to LA ASAP. And it just doesn’t feel real. It just didn’t feel real.”

A day before her 19th birthday, Isabella underwent emergency surgery to remove the malignant mass. She had to relearn how to walk and was mostly asleep in bed. Still, she was surrounded by the best support system through her family and friends.

Isabella’s momentous decision to share her diagnosis publicly came as she wanted to emphasize the importance of raising awareness and offering support to others undergoing similar battles. In February, she will begin chemotherapy and continue her road to recovery.

“I don’t wanna hide it anymore ’cause it’s hard to always keep in. I hope to just kind of be a voice and be [someone] who people, maybe [those who] are going through chemotherapy or radiation, can look at,” Isabella said. Undoubtedly, Isabella has become a figure of hope to many with similar battles.