Wednesday, November 14, 2007

November 14

Robert began treatments on 11/13. Our treatment plan consist of radiation and chemotherapy. The radiation schedule will be Mon. thru Fri. and chemotherapy seven days a week for six weeks. We will be going to the hospital for the radiation treatments and the chemotherapy is an oral medication. After the six weeks, Robert will have a month off without treatments. Chemotherapy will continue beyond that for the next 6 months with a cycle of 5 days on and 23 days off.
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5 comments:

R-Jay said...

Hey Robert and Tammy,

We are wishing you all the best from Chicago.

Robert, I hope the review article was hopeful. If you need anything else, let me know.

Take care!

R-Jay

November 16, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Angie McLean said...

Dear Robert & Tammy,
Thank you for posting. Tammy & I taught together. I want you to know that I have put your name on prayer lists all over the country. I have witnessed first hand the amazing power of prayer.

During my residency @ Henry Ford Hospital I had worked with many GBM patients and their families. I am very aware of the roller coaster you and your family are on right now. I can only encourage you to live for the moment and realize and tell yourself miracles happen every every day! Your fight for life is inspiring and we are so proud of you!

God bless you in this time...know that you are being constantly thought of and prayed for.

We'll be dropping off some meals so I hope you like Italian...I make a mean meatball:).

Thinking of you as you are opening this door of challenge in hopes you find graces of healing and happiness at the end of this tunnel of treatments and turmoil.

May God bless you and keep you with strength...smiles at times when you can't and happiness when you find heartache.

Sincerely
Angie & Chuck McLean
mcleangab@verizon.net

November 16, 2007 at 8:03 PM
scarpeta said...

Hi, I am thinking of you often and with good thoughts.

If you need anything, let me know.

Take care.

Sharna

November 17, 2007 at 1:20 AM
MattVan said...

Hello RObaert and Tammy,

We check this blog often to hear the latest news. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Our thoughts are with you every day.

Love,

Matt & Van

November 17, 2007 at 1:33 AM
Neil Lesser said...

Hi Robert & Tammy,
Thanks for sharing. To let you know we're keeping up with you and really appreciate your blog. So glad to learn you're in the hands of Johns Hopkins. Please know we're among the many rooting for you and who have you in our prayers.
Neil & Linda

November 18, 2007 at 5:57 PM

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My Condition - Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)

I was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This condition has four different grades (I - IV). My tumor is a grade IV GBM. This is the most aggressive GBM tumor. I have included a little section of The Essential Guide to BRAIN TUMORS below to describe the condition more completely.

Astrocytoma

An astrocytoma develops from star-shaped glial cells (astrocytes) that support nerve cells. These tumors can be located anywhere in the brain, but the most common location is in the frontal lobe. Astrocytomas are the most common primary CNS tumor.

The physician, usually the neurosurgeon or neurooncologist, will discuss the type and location of an astrocytoma. The pathologist will assign it a grade. Astrocytomas are generally classified as low or high grade. Low-grade astrocytomas (grades I and II) are slow growing. High-grade astrocytomas (grades III and IV) grow more quickly. The main tumor type is listed for each grade. There are additional tumor types in each of these grades.

The WHO classification divides astrocytomas into four grades:

  • Grade I Pilocytic Astrocytoma
  • Grade II Low-Grade Astrocytoma
  • Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma
  • Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (or GBM)

Characteristics

The characteristics of an astrocytoma vary depending on the tumor’s grade and location. Most people are functioning normally when diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma. Symptoms tend to be subtle and may take one to two years to diagnose. This is because the brain can often adapt to a slow-growing tumor for a period of time. Highgrade tumors may present with changes that are sudden and dramatic.

Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Difficulty thinking or speaking
  • Behavioral or cognitive changes (related to thinking, reasoning, and memory)
  • Weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body
  • Loss of balance
  • Vision changes
  • Nausea or vomiting