Gina Heslop
In December 2021, 21-year-old Chandler Plante contracted COVID-19, experiencing only mild symptoms and a quick recovery. However, her health took a troubling turn in the months that followed. Around three months after her initial COVID-19 infection, Plante began to notice numbness in her hands and forearms. Concerned, she visited the emergency room but was told that her symptoms were due to anxiety, and she was sent home.
Despite this dismissal, her symptoms continued to worsen. On June 28, a brain scan revealed the shocking truth: Plante had suffered ischemic strokes. These strokes were caused by inflammation in her head, leading to severely narrowed arteries, a life-threatening condition. Ischemic strokes occur when blood clots obstruct the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
Plante underwent a series of medical procedures, including the placement of coronary stents to widen her narrowed brain arteries and prevent further strokes. However, her health challenges persisted. A month later, the stents migrated to the back of her eye, causing her to lose vision in that eye. Doctors were baffled, unable to pinpoint the root cause of her health issues.
In her quest for answers, Plante underwent numerous tests, including a craniotomy keyhole surgery on her brain and a lumbar puncture. Despite these efforts, the exact cause of her condition remained elusive. Plante’s journey was marked by intense pain, headaches, and facial nerve inflammation due to her medications.
Finally, in April 2023, a ray of hope emerged when Plante received an infusion of the chemodrug rituximab. This treatment marked a turning point, offering some relief from her debilitating symptoms. Plante continues to receive treatment with rituximab and methotrexate, another chemotherapy drug, though she experiences side effects like hair loss and thinning.
Throughout her ordeal, Chandler Plante has remained resilient and determined to share her story as a source of positivity and inspiration. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and finding humor even in the darkest of times. Plante’s journey, despite the absence of an official diagnosis, serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere and find strength in the face of adversity. She hopes that her story will inspire others to never give up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, and to embrace the power of positivity and human connection.
