Thursday, April 30, 2009

April 30th

Robert did come home yesterday and is feeling better today. Our lives have changed dramatically since April the 8th and yet is as if we have been waiting for so long to receive the answers that will ultimately dictate future treatments. The diagnosis does not seem to be the most important news anymore - it is the treatments and effectiveness of treatments that we will have to focus on. The days are filled with a multitude of emotions as we wait for final pathology results from both the chest and the brain. We came home from the hospital ready to rest and prepare for the fight ahead. It is with the words of encouragement that you have given that we will stay positive in our ability to fight. It is in the love that you give that we will find the power to believe in ourselves and in the doctors to hold on to hope and never give up. It is in the acts of kindness that we find peace and that we are surrounded by 'good'. There are to many people to thank. I want so desperately to talk to each and every person but I can not find the time. Please know that we are thankful and do not take you for granted.
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2 comments:

Angie McLean said...

Know this...there is sunshine in the clouds! I promise! Keep your head up.....if you look downward...may it be to look into your precious lil' boys' eyes and make a wish for the best...and better. Look up...feel the sun there...it's there. Look up ...give a prayer of thanks for the care you are in...the expertise of the doctors...look up in wonder to know you can face another moment with your face towards the sun and looking for the future moments to catch that hope of all hopes to find the cures and heal.

We are so inspired by your love and dedciation....we pray for you to find moment of peace and times to smile at the little luxuries in life that make it so sweet. May you find a calm in the storm to move ahead and find your way to healing and health.

We love you more than you will ever know.
God bless you and keep you.
Many many prayers today and always for you and yours.
XOXO
Ang, Chuck, Gabbi and Maddi McLean

April 30, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Linda Murveit said...

Robert and Tammy,

I am so glad Robert is home. I am glad that you have been able to shift the focus onto the future. Its such a tricky balance to live in the moment, in limbo, yet keep the future open to all possibilities. You are both doing an amazing job living this life and fighting this fight. Your blog gives me hope, inspiration, and insight into what is really important in this life. I am heading off to a wedding out of town and therefore will be virtually running the race with you tomorrow. I wish I could be there and plan to be there with you both next year. My thoughts and prayers will be with you tonight and tomorrow morning during the race. Hooray for The Brain kickers and Bravo to The Race for Hope!!!

Linda

May 2, 2009 at 2:52 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