I have thought about how to share our news and I will try to do it in a positive way, because it is the bad news - good news report. I start with the bad news because it is what we heard first and will have to focus on initially. The bad news is that Robert's MRI scan has changed. There are two spots that were not there before. They are small and they are not sure what they are - tumor vs. irritation from previous treatments. The oncologist is concerned because the scans have been clear for several months and the shape of the spots looks suspicious. Robert will go back on the chemo tomorrow and will possible stay on for a year. It is the same chemo drug that he had taken before and he will follow the five day on - twenty-three day off schedule. We are taking an aggressive approach with this treament realizing that we do not have an offical diagnosis, but feel that this is the best option.
Here is the good news:
They found the spots early and there is always the possibility that they are not tumor. Robert is not symptomatic from the threat of a brain tumor. He feels well and is strong in every way. He tolerated and responded well to treatment before. The location of the spots is still in the frontal lobe and there is a surgical option if necessary. Radiation may still be an option if absolutely necessary. We are working an oncologist, surgeon, and other medical professional that we trust and respect in a hospital that is amazing. There are also clinical trails that might possibly be available for patients with reoccurring tumors.
Most importantly - we are surrounded by family and friends who allow us to reach out to them and support us - always.
As Robert describes it- We have hit a bump in the road and we will fight. I'm along for the rough part of the ride and cling to the realization that while our medical story has changed, not everything has changed. No matter what happens medically - our love for each other has not changed and we will fight together.
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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
3 comments:
We will continue to support you both in any way that we can. We know that Robert will win this fight again! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and continue to think positive thoughts.
You two are not alone in your fight. You have all of us right by your side. We go through this together!
We love you!
You are in my prayers. Since they were caught so early,there is a very good reason to be optimistic. So let us be very positive. Take care.
Love and best wishes,
Chitra
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