Sunday, April 27, 2008
April 27th
Robert will start his fourth round of chemo tonight and we both get a bit anxious during this time. We hope for the maximum benefit- with the least amount of side effects. Last week seemed so busy with the ball games and Robert's work meeting, and we both were really tired. We just hope to be able to function efficiently and enjoy the week days.
Thanks for the prayers - they are working well.
Monday, April 21, 2008
April 21st
Tonight - Robert and I went to the kindergarten orientation at Bryce's elem. school. We couldn't have been happier and more amused to be there. It wasn't just the tour of the school or the presentations, but more the act of looking ahead at where he will be going everyday and thinking about how much he will learn, grow, and develop. Going together was important and special in ways that we might not have focused on before. The point- I guess- we are not rushing time along but we are enjoying being together and looking ahead to the future.
Monday, April 14, 2008
April 14th
As I talk with others I am constantly being reminded that there are so many strong and inspirational people surrounding us. If we were not going through the journey that we are traveling, we would not necessarily hear or have heard the journeys that others have taken. So many people have suffered or are suffering, and are not only functioning- but living well. They are reaching out and supporting others. We are so thankful to those who reach out, share, and ultimately encourage us to keep fighting. I encourage others to reach out to someone in need. I encourage others to reach out and get to know someone that you may not be familiar with. Listen to others- they probably have a story to inspire you. So many people, so many stories, so much to learn.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
April 9th
The days are filled with the daily activities that everyone is familiar with and the evenings seem to pass so quickly. We are thankful for the moments that capture our attention and allow us to drift into them without remembering the stress and burden of the medical situation that we find ourselves in. The moments that are so precious, funny, and captivating that it is as if we are actually living for that moment. The funny things that the boys do and say, the way that they love each other, and the the way that they teach each other. These are the moments that propel us to keep moving. The thought that so many people are thinking of us, praying for us, and reaching out to us keeps our spirits high and allows us to continue to stay connected to others with whom we may not have even talked with in a long time. The people who we have never even met, who have reached out, remind us that all people are connected and special. Robert continues to inspire people and demonstrate his strength in so many ways. We are thankful for the ways in which so many people have inspired us. We thank you for your generosity and we appreciate the continued support.
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