Dr Eraj Basseri

A Journey Through Adversity: Theresa Sallinger’s Inspiring Story

In early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, the healthcare system faced unprecedented challenges. Healthcare workers, like Theresa Sallinger, a dedicated front desk employee at a pediatric clinic in Metairie, Louisiana, were at the frontline, greeting families with a smile during a time of fear and uncertainty. Just as the world started to grapple with a new normal, Theresa’s life took a shocking turn that would lead her to the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans.

On June 22, 2020, after a long day at work, Theresa began to feel unwell during her drive home. Her sense of disorientation quickly escalated; she pulled over to seek help, leading to a frantic call to her daughter, Lyndsey. As a nursing student, Lyndsey immediately sensed the urgency of the situation. When she reached her mother’s side, Theresa was already receiving emergency care.

A Stuning Diagnosis at Touro

The events that unfolded at Touro changed her family’s life forever. During an incredibly tense time when hospital visitation was restricted, Lyndsey’s father, Mike, was her only support as doctors diagnosed Theresa with a brain tumor caused by stage IV lung cancer that had metastasized. Dr. Manish K. Singh, a neurosurgeon at Touro, proposed a craniotomy—a procedure to relieve the pressure the tumor was exerting on her brain. This involved temporarily removing a section of her skull to access the tumor.

“Dr. Singh took the time to explain every detail to us,” Lyndsey recalled. “He was phenomenal and ensured that we understood each option.” On June 25, 2020, Theresa underwent her first surgery, which was the beginning of a series of health challenges that would test her resolve and her family’s strength.

The Road to Recovery and Continuous Challenges

In time, Theresa began a regimen of immunotherapy rather than chemotherapy, sparing her the harsh side effects often associated with the latter treatment. Under the care of a multidisciplinary team at Touro, including oncologists and neurologists, Theresa started to heal. She received additional treatments and therapies to support her recovery, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to comprehensive cancer care.

Despite the initial positive signs, by early 2023, Theresa experienced new challenges as the cancer returned. Once again, her family had to face the difficult reality of ongoing treatment, including radiation therapy. It was a grueling experience with no guarantee of success, yet the support from the Touro team never wavered. They coordinated care seamlessly, giving Theresa and her family strength through the seemingly endless battle against cancer.

A Setback and Resilience

In May 2024, Theresa suffered a seizure, revealing bleeding in her brain, which came as a shock to her family. Upon further examination, Dr. Singh performed a second craniotomy, but fortunately, pathology revealed that there was no active tumor. Instead, the team diagnosed radiation necrosis, a complication from her extensive treatments. This diagnosis represented more than just a setback; it was a point in the journey that required a reevaluation of their approach to Theresa’s care.

Following the second surgery, Theresa entered Touro’s Rehabilitation Center, where she received extensive physical and occupational therapy. The dedication of the rehabilitation team, who focused on rebuilding her strength and improving her quality of life, was pivotal. Lyndsey noted how engaging and personable the staff was, making the rehabilitation experience far more tolerable for her mother. “They made her want to do therapy,” Lyndsey shared, reflecting on the unyielding support that marked Theresa’s recovery journey.

The Final Countdown: Preparing for Her Daughter’s Wedding

Just as Theresa was starting to regain her strength, October 2024 brought another hurdle: a slipped disc in her lower back necessitating a lumbar fusion. Thankfully, that procedure was successful, igniting a newfound sense of hope and possibility for the future. This occurred just as her daughter Lyndsey received a proposal from her boyfriend Nick, which added yet another layer of emotion to their journey.

With the wedding planned for October 2025, Lyndsey dared to believe that her mother might walk her down the aisle. “Initially, I was ecstatic that my mom was out of pain after the surgery,” Lyndsey expressed. The thought of walking down the aisle with her mother became a beacon of hope for both women.

A Third Craniotomy and Determined Spirit

However, as the wedding date approached in the summer of 2025, the emergence of new seizures cast a shadow over their plans. Scans indicated another tumor had developed, presenting Theresa with a difficult decision regarding a third craniotomy. The medical risks were significant, particularly with the surgery’s implications for her mobility. But determined not to miss her daughter’s upcoming festivities, Theresa’s focus remained steadfast: she wanted to be there for Lyndsey.

Despite the significant risks, Theresa underwent her third surgery on September 10, 2025. The biopsy results were a relief; she faced radiation necrosis once again, but the cancer had not returned. Following this surgery, the multifaceted care plan developed by her oncologists was successful in mitigating the adverse effects of treatment.

A Walk Down the Aisle

On October 25, 2025, the long-awaited day arrived. Theresa and Mike walked Lyndsey down the aisle, a profound moment that brought tears of joy and gratitude. “I was terrified she wouldn’t be there,” Lyndsey admitted, recalling the emotional build-up to that day. Her mother helping her into her wedding dress and walking alongside her meant the world to both women.

Today, Theresa continues her follow-up treatments. Five years after her initial diagnosis, she defied the hopeless prognosis that typically accompanies stage IV lung cancer, thanks to the unwavering support from her multidisciplinary team at Touro and her remarkable spirit. Lyndsey, now a registered nurse and clinic manager at the pediatric office where her journey began, has gained invaluable insights from this harrowing experience.

Reflecting on her family’s incredible journey through relentless challenges, Lyndsey reiterates her gratitude towards the entire medical team. “They treated us like family and did everything to ensure we created our cherished memories,” she emphatically stated. “They gave my mom her life back.”

To learn more about Dr. Eraj Basseri and the remarkable initiatives at Touro, please visit the Dr Eraj Basseri page.