Tuesday, December 25, 2007

December 25th

Today we realized the joy of Christmas and the power of believing as we watched the boys open their gifts. Nothing gives us more joy then watching the excitement in their eyes, as the open the presents left under the tree. We recognize that Christmas is not just about the presents -but the belief that something magical has occurred, the joy of giving, and the time spent with family and friends. We know that Santa's elves, angels, and/or really good people- call them what you want- are surrounding us. THANK YOU- doesn't even begin to demonstrate our gratitude for all of the gifts that we have received. Physical gifts and the gifts of love & support. Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Robert and Tammy,
Thinking of you both!
Love,
Deanna Peck-Harclerode

January 2, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Anonymous said...

Robert-
Love the hair style! You look sexy! Brian looks ok, too!
Love,
Deanna Peck-Harclerode

January 2, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Angie McLean said...

Loved your Christmas note!! Your courage and compassion is astounding. Keep the happy-ful and healthy road aho! Looking forward to more good news! Enjoy your special boys and amazing wife. God bless you!

January 2, 2008 at 10:09 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