The alternative rock scene just got hit by some tough news. Jennifer Finch, longtime bassist for L7, has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. The band shared the grim news update via an Instagram post, where they also revealed that Finch will not be joining the ‘90s grunge band on its final tour.“Our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer,” the band wrote in a joint statement on Instagram on Monday, July 13. “Following multiple surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support.”The diagnosis surprised everyone. Just weeks ago, L7 was gearing up for their ‘Last Hurrah Tour’, which is going to be their final run of North American shows, starting in October. Now Finch can’t join her bandmates on stage. However, she’s insisted the tour should go on, even without her.
Jennifer Finch’s diagnosis: What happened?
According to L7 and Finch’s family, and as reported by People, doctors at first thought the cancer might be manageable with treatment and a round of radiation. But things took a serious turn. Finch developed unexpected complications and needed several surgeries, leaving her permanently limited physically. Now she’s going through intensive treatment, rehab, and getting extra help at home.L7 hasn’t shared the exact type or stage of brain cancer, just that it’s aggressive. For now, their main concern is Finch’s recovery and getting her the care she needs.
What causes aggressive brain cancer?
Dr. Rahul Sharma, a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Brain and Spine Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, says we still don’t know exactly what triggers most brain cancers.He says, “The exact cause of most aggressive brain cancers is still unknown. These cancers are generally formed when a mutation occurs in genes which causes abnormal growth and division of brain cells,” adding, “These mutations, in most instances, arise spontaneously and are not passed on to the next generation. Some rare inherited genetic syndromes, previous exposure to high dose ionising radiation to the head and age are risk factors, but most patients have no risk factors. Remarkably, the use of mobile phones, stress, and minor head injuries have not been proven to be direct causes of brain cancer.”Dr. Fahad Afzal, Consultant Oncologist at Saifee Hospital Mumbai, adds some more insight.“Brain cancer usually arises from some genetic mutations in the brain cells which are acquired during lifetime rather than an inherited mutation,” says Dr. Afzal, adding, “The risk factors are any previous radiation therapy given to the head, any rare genetic syndromes such as LFS, Lief-Romney syndrome or NF that is neurofibromatosis and lifestyle factors such as diet, stress or sometimes even mobile phone has been said to be a culprit but cancer has not been proven to be caused by these factors.”Dr. Afzal also says, “Primary brain tumors account for approximately 1 to 2% of all types of cancer. Primary brain tumors have an incidence of around 5 to 8 cases per 1 lakh people every year. The most common primary brain cancers are aggressive tumors like glioblastoma but they remain relatively rare compared to cancers of the breast, lung, colon, or prostate.”
What about the life expectancy?
Dr. Sharma says, “Aggressive brain cancers are believed to be relatively rare, compared to breast, lung or colon cancers. Brain tumours are rare and include high-grade tumours, such as glioblastoma. Although they are relatively uncommon, they are also one of the more severe types due to their quick growth, encroachment on adjacent brain tissue, and capacity to impact critical functions (for example, movement, talking, vision, recollection, and so forth).”He adds, “These may happen at any age, but are more common in older people.”
What are the early signs to watch for
Now, tricky diseases like this can hide in plain sight because sometimes, we tend to miss the early signs. Missing those signs may lead to a late diagnosis and eventually affect the chance of survivability in patients. Does brain cancer come with such red flags?Dr. Sharma says, “The early symptoms are dependent on the site and size of the tumour, and tend to be progressive and gradual.” According to him, the warning signs include:
- If headaches occur frequently or become increasingly severe, particularly if there are new or different headaches.
- A first seizure that occurs in a person who has not had any prior seizures.
- A decrease or loss of strength in an arm or leg.
- Trouble talking, comprehending language, or the ability to find words.
- Vision, hearing, or balance changes.
- Trouble with memory, confusion, or changes in personality.
- Morning (mornings) nausea or vomiting that doesn’t stop.
Dr. Sharma says, “These symptoms can be detected in other neurological conditions, and are not exclusive to brain cancer. When they persist, grow in severity, or when they occur together, however, it is important for them to be seen by a medical professional right away. Early diagnosis using neurological examination and MRI can help to ensure prompt treatment and enhance symptom management and outcomes.”Per Dr. Fahad Afzal, “Early diagnosis relies on recognizing any concerning symptoms that persist even after symptomatic treatment and confirming the diagnosis with brain imaging, which is usually an MRI of the brain, and whenever appropriate, a tissue biopsy.”
L7 launches fundraiser to help with Finch’s treatment
Finch’s illness means she has to miss the US leg of L7’s “Last Hurrah Tour,” which kicks off in San Diego this October. When the tour was planned, everyone in the band was healthy. Guitarist Donita Sparks said they’re all “devastated,” but promised that Jennifer’s wishes come first, and that means the show must go on, in her honor.To support Finch’s big medical bills and care, her family and band set up a GoFundMe. The money will go toward her medical costs, rehab, home nursing, therapy, adapting her living space, legal help, and even to help finish a big creative project she’s been working on. The music community stepped up in a big way: within hours, hundreds of thousands of dollars poured in along with supportive notes from musicians in bands like Garbage, Pearl Jam, and Bikini Kill.
