Monday, November 19, 2007

November 16th - 18th

First week complete
I have completed a week of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I feel really good at this point. I have no nausea and have all my hair still. The doctor expects some of my hair to fall out. I will get a picture if it happens.

Beach trip
Tammy and I (without the kids) spent the weekend at Bethany beach in Delaware. We had a wonderful time. We got a free rental and just enjoyed the time alone. We shopped, ate and relaxed the entire weekend. This was a really fun trip.

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3 comments:

amy said...

Hey Guys!!
Great for you..I'm so glad you got away by yourselves. I'm thinking that was great medicine and therapy for you both.I think of you ALL THE TIME and everytime I say a little prayer and send mental well wishes. Robert I'm so glad you are feeling well-you are so strong. Tammy, as always, you look great and too are so strong. I am proud to have you as my friends, you both inspire me daily... Love you. You know I am here for anything. Amy

November 19, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Unknown said...

Tammy & Robert,

Good news you are feeling so well Robert! And what a wonderful weekend at the beach! So romantic! Awesome pics - of beach and the family on this site - so talented you both are! Keep with the positive attitude and know that all of your friends and loved ones are sending their love and support to you both daily. We love you...Lisa P.

November 20, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Lindyam said...

I am glad you got away alone and I am thrilled about your doing this blog Robert. It is so brave, positive, informative, and I would think therapeutic. The pictures are beautiful. I am thinking about you and praying for you as well (i'll help cover the jewish angle). I am here to help in any way I can. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Linda Murveit

November 20, 2007 at 4:42 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