In a remarkable tale of resilience, renowned war correspondent Rod Nordland, known for his work with The New York Times, Newsweek, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, is now confronting his most formidable opponent yet - glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal form of brain tumor.

Nordland's extensive experience reporting from war zones around the world has given him a unique perspective on facing adversity. He attributes his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure during his career to helping him cope with his cancer diagnosis. "One of the most important things I learned as a war correspondent was to stay calm and not lose control of your emotions. And I think that's been a really good lesson for dealing with cancer, too," Nordland noted.

With glioblastoma having a median life expectancy of just 14 months and a five-year survival rate of less than 7%, Nordland acknowledges the reality of his situation. While he recognizes there is no cure for his type of cancer, he remains optimistic and grateful for having defied the odds thus far.

Currently undergoing treatment, Nordland has adopted an innovative approach. He follows a low-dose chemotherapy regimen and utilizes a device called Optune, which consists of ceramic arrays placed on his shaved head that emit electronic beams aimed at combating the tumors. However, the treatment does come with some inconveniences. Every three days, Nordland must shave his head and reapply the arrays, and the Optune machine must be in close proximity, limiting his mobility.

As a result of the surgery to remove the tumor, Nordland experiences mobility issues due to the severed nerves affecting sensation on his left side. To mitigate the risk of falls and accidents, he often relies on a wheelchair for safety when attending medical appointments.

Reflecting on his early years as a war correspondent, Nordland admits that he, like many young individuals, once possessed an invincibility mindset. However, a harrowing experience on the front lines in Cambodia shattered that illusion. Witnessing a fellow journalist lose his life in a hail of bullets was a wake-up call, leading Nordland to reassess his approach to reporting from conflict zones. Since then, he has chosen not to venture directly to the front lines.

Nordland's journey, marked by resilience, self-reflection, and a profound understanding of mortality, is chronicled in his memoir, Waiting for the Monsoon, where he explores the parallel experiences of confronting mortality in war and cancer.

While Nordland's battle against glioblastoma continues, his indomitable spirit and perspective gained from a life on the front lines offer inspiration to all facing their own challenges. His story serves as a poignant reminder that strength can be found even in the face of the most daunting adversaries.