Time keeps passing, usually faster then we can believe. Bryce will go to Sport Camp next week, Trey is in his 'Big Boy' bed and room, and Robert will be taking another round of chemo a week from Sunday. Round number six since he completed the initial phase of radiation and chemo combination. Some days it feels like only yesterday Robert and I were in the ER and then I remember that it has been almost 8 months. We are thankful to be in a good place now and ready to keep moving forward with our lives. Robert is feeling well and is ready to move off of the chemo treatments.
Earlier this month I got to meet a GBM survivor of 17 years. Obviously, this was an emotional and inspirational encounter and it gives us all hope for our futures. I sat in the room with many other newly diagnosed patients and family members and was happy to report that we were 7 months out and doing well. The educational meetings always begins with quick introductions. People typically tell if they are the patient or caregiver. I explained that my husband was diagnosed with a GBM in Oct. and that I am there 'alone' because he is working. I further have explain that I do not consider myself his caregiver, as he is often the one taking care of us. My heart went out to everyone there as I have felt the pain that they are now experiencing. We pray for all patients, their families, and most importantly for a cure. Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads.
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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
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