Monday, April 27, 2009

April 27th

Things have been changing every other day and it is difficult to keep everyone informed. I will try to update you without including the details of every possible scenario of what could be... The final pathology from the chest mass is not done and we are still awaiting results. Robert will have a brain biopsy tomorrow and the results should give us a better idea of the direction that treatments will take. We believe that the doctors are working diligently and with the the greatest desire to help. They are great and we are grateful to have them on our team. Please pray for them as they work to take care of us. Please pray for Robert as he undergoes yet another test and future treatments. We are blessed to have all of you on our team as well and know that the positive thoughts are making a difference in our lives. I will carry all of the love and support with us as we continue to travel on this journey and it will help us to keep moving forward with hope and the realization that we are not alone. Love to all.
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2 comments:

Angie McLean said...

We love you so! We are so proud of you as you choose to beleive in this miracle of healing...be strong for one another. Know that you are loved dearly. GOd bless you both and your precious lil' boys. May find the sun warm your hearts with calm and peace. May the gentle breeze calm you and give you the needed breath to breathe in and out.

You are absolutely in our constant thoughts and prayers.

XOOX Ang, Chuck, Gabbi, Maddi

April 27, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Linda Murveit said...

Thank you for the updates ... we are all checking and praying everyday. I know that you are all in good hands at Hopkins and I also know that it is because you are such kind, amazing, good people that love, hope, and support flows easily back your way. Be strong and live each moment because really that is all we all have ....this moment!!! We love you and pray for goodness and health to come your way.
Linda, Brandon, & Chad

April 27, 2009 at 10:44 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