Really? I was just posting about Thanksgiving and now we are closer to Hanukkah & Christmas. We are doing well and are looking forward to the holidays ahead. Robert and I have each celebrated a birthday this month and no longer think much about the number, but give thanks for having had another year to celebrate. Although- I have been telling everyone that "29" is fabulous.
The boys are excited about the holidays and ask each night if this is the night that Santa will come. I love their enthusiasm and excitement. We cut down a tree and have decorated it. This year the REAL("green")tree made it into the basement- as last year we decorated a metal tree. They have both written Christmas list and are ready to deliver them to Santa at the mall.This might be the first year that they both sit with Santa. They have been good and I have a feeling that Santa will come here.
We feel that the boys have so many toys and that we are are so fortunate to have so many things. This year we will donate to a charity instead of giving them Hanukkah gifts.
I find myself reflecting a lot about the past year. The past year has been filled with emotions that have been intensified by the news of Robert's diagnosis. I will try and use those feelings to find a deeper appreciation for the day and all of the blessings that - 'that' day has to offer. To find peace in the fact that even through the toughest times we all stood together and we are stronger for it. Knowing other care is priceless. May your holidays be filled with peace and happiness.
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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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