Medically speaking we have no new information to report. Robert has been feeling well and we have been busy with everyday chores and activities. Robert's next MRI is scheduled for April 23rd and we pray that the spot being monitored is healing. We will not be meeting with the doctors on this day and will wait to receive a report by phone or e-mail. We will post as soon as we have any information.
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.
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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
1 comment:
So thrilled to hear things are "Status quo". Softball is a good thing Robert-I hope it will give you physical and mental strength and also, most important, a good time. We continue to pray daily for your strength and recovery and a good report at the next Dr. visit.
You are so right that everyone does have a story and we need to listen and see how we can reach out to others.
Take care and know we continue to have you guys in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Love,
The Sutton Crew
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