I spend time trying to figure out what information to post and typically have no idea what we will write about, until I sit down in front of the computer. There are obviously so many emotions that we experience throughout this journey. Today - we will focus on the good news that we have to share. The good news is that Robert did feel stronger and more alert just as he entered his third week after the chemo treatment. It was a dramatic difference as he woke up over the weekend with much more 'spunk.' He was able to enjoy time with the boys and was much more energetic then he has been in a while. We all tried to take advantage of Robert's new burst of energy and get out of the house.
Robert will go for another MRI tomorrow and we look forward to getting a positive report from the doctor. We will not meet with her this month, but we will be in contact with her sometime soon regarding the result of the scan. We will post with an update as soon as we can. Thanks to all.
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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
2 comments:
I am so glad that Robert is feeling Stronger....that is wonderful news. I am sure the boys are loving it! Thanks for all the inspiration you give us all with this blog. Weather you know it or not...you keep me thinking in a more positive way in my own life. I love you all. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Ceil
I am so glad to hear that Robert is feeling stronger. That is such wonderful news. I am sure the boys are loving it! Thanks for keeping us posted on everything and weather you know if or not....thanks for keeping me thinking in a more positive way in my own life. I get inspiration just from reading your blog. I love you all.
Ceil
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