Friday, April 24, 2009

April 24th

Today Robert will be admitted into the hospital today. His medical situation is more complicated then ever before and we are desperately seeking answers so that treatments can begin. Forgive me for not being able to write about all of the details associated with this journey, but I am exhausted both physically and emotionally and I am unable to share the details right now. We are still waiting the final biopsy results from the mass in the lung. Know that we are going into the hospital for testing, in the hopes of finding more answers. Robert should be in the hospital until Thur. Most test will be non-invasive and have no pain associated with them. On Tuesday - Robert will have a brain biopsy. This is not a biopsy of the tumor already seen on the MRI scans, but in another area of the brain where there is question of something else happening. We are living a nightmare as Robert's gets sicker and there is no current treatment. Thank you to everyone for your support and love. Thank you.
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8 comments:

Sharon Wilkerson said...

Tammy and Robert- I continue to pray for courage, strength and the best medical treatment available. There are many prayers as well as lots and lots of love circulating for you all!

Sharon

April 24, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Unknown said...

Robert and Tammy,
My family and I are praying for you everyday.
Larry Shue

April 24, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Linda Murveit said...

Tammy and Robert-

I am hoping and praying everyday for you.

Linda

April 24, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Unknown said...

As I drive to work, I continue to say a Rosary for Robert and you. I pray to St. Peregrine. I leave Thursday for my sister's services, but still am praying for strength for both of us. Know that I love you, Tammy.
Jo

April 25, 2009 at 6:57 AM
Anonymous said...

Tammy and Robert - all of us here at Praxis are keeping you both (and the boys) in our thoughts. Please let us know if there's ANYTHING we can do.

April 27, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Neil Lesser said...

Tammy and Robert, you're in our prayers and in our hearts. Hopefully you'll continue to derive strength and courage from all the your many friends.
Neil & Linda

April 27, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Teresa Darst said...

Robert and Family,
You are in my prayers.

April 27, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Anonymous said...

I know how discouraged and exhausted you both are, but keep up your spirit and your strength. We are all here for you and everyone knows that Robert will fight, fight, fight! We continue to pray for you and for the doctors to get the answers they need.
Stacy

April 27, 2009 at 7:19 PM

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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