Good news from the oncologist. The latest MRI demonstrated stability and some improvement. The doctor called Robert a 'super star' patient. We like to refer to him as the 'over-achieving' patient or our 'Super-hero." She expressed that past progress does not technically predict future progress - but it does in some respect - because: Many patients who struggle from the beginning - always struggle. For those that have responded well to treatment - there is no reason to believe that they will not continue to do well. Obviously- the doctor can not predict the future and that is why Robert will have MRI's every two months.
We will take one report at a time and hold on to the relief that we feel in the moment. We will focus on the current news and be thankful for it. We will continue holding on to the belief that life is full of 'good', 'bad', 'happiness', 'sorrow', 'expected' and 'unexpected' events and that all hold meaning. We thank you for your support and good wishes that keep us feeling strong physically and emotionally. Love is all around us.
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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:
I am so excited to hear that you had another good MRI. I think that both you and Robert are superheroes. Robert for defying medical odds, and you for remaining so positive and hopeful and appreciative through all the difficult times.
Linda
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