After 14 months of clean scans, in August 2011 Johanna's MRI showed new tumor growth. She underwent her third surgery September 20 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The surgery was considered a success, resulting in the removal of all of the detected cancer and leaving Johanna in possession of most of her brain, except for a bit of parietal lobe she had to part with. This plus the aggressive nature of the surgery caused right side homonymous hemianopsia, which is the loss of half of the field of view on the same side in both eyes.

After recovering with her family in Minnesota, Johanna returned to her Bend home in October, where she continues to heal as well as attend three appointments a week and conduct one- to two-hours a day of exercises as rehabilitation for her vision condition. It's still early, but possible that her vision will improve significantly. She looks great, by the way, which makes it even harder to understand that she can't see and is likely to run into walls if left to her own devices.

Because Johanna's tumor is a unique grade four glioma, it is considered likely to return, and therefore Johanna has begun a daily low-dose regiment of chemotherapy (Temodar). The duration of the treatment could be year or more. Johanna will return to work at Central Oregon Community College in January, where she enjoys meaningful work, a paycheck, and medical benefits. Even so, Johanna's medical bills continue to exceed her benefits and she very much appreciates the support her friends and family have provided and continue to provide.

"14 years ago I could never have imagined that I would have had 3 brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy! But here I am! Through these experiences, I hope that I have become a better person, helped others along the way, and that I continue to embrace the wonderful life that I have been given. The support I have, and continue to receive, inspires me each day! Thank you"
- Johanna Olson