We apologize for the delay in posting. I could make many excuses for the absence of postings, but I will spare you all of the details of that. As my intelligent husband reminded me- I can post brief messages to let you know that we are well and post again later with all of the deep/emotional thoughts that I typically include. Today's posting will be a combination of both.
As usual, life passes quickly and many changes occur before we have often processed the facts. Bryce started kindergarten on Monday and it has been both exciting and emotional. Robert and I placed him on the bus on the first day of school and watched him ride away without us to protect and care for him. We had to have trust in ourselves- that we had taught him the skills to be independent and successful in school. We had to trust in him- that he would behave appropriately and find his place in school. We had to trust in the school- that they would take care of him, nature him, and help him to learn. Luckily, Bryce has been excited to go and is eager to exert his independence.
I write about this because the home/school relationship is similar to the home/hospital/relationship that Robert and I have with Hopkins. We have had to spend a lot of time in the hospital, learn the 'new' rules and regulations of treating Robert's medical condition and learn to live with the 'new' normal that has impacted our family dynamic & family relationships. We have had to place our trust in the medical professionals- that they will nature and care for us. We are incredibly thankful to be working with the most caring and brilliant people at Hopkins. We ask that you continue to wish for Robert's good health and ultimately a cure. Thanks.
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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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