April 8th came and the news received from the MRI was unwelcome. Where there were two spots - now there are three. The official term - reoccurrence. Then the discussion of treatment options. Our oncologist is knowledgeable and shares multiple treatment options for us to consider. Options include surgery, different chemo drugs, clinical trials. The information is overwhelming. We will take one step at a time and trust in the professionals who care for us with all of the compassion of a friend. We will trust in ourselves to do what we feel is best and we will trust in the powers that guide us to keep moving forward.
We met with the surgeon today and he is first- sincere in his promise to always hold 'hope'. He will review Robert's scans with the Tumor Board on Monday to confirm that all other team members agree with him and the oncologist that the benefits of surgery would outweigh the risks. He will try to reach all spots and remove as much as he can without harming any good brain tissue. There are two spots that he feels confident that he can reach. The third spot is questionable and he will have to wait and see. We will wait to hear from them and make decisions from there.
We received a call from the oncologist this afternoon and they have found a mass in Robert's chest cavity. They do not know what it is and it will have to be biopsied. We hope to have it scheduled by early next week and are very frightened by this finding. They believe that this mass is unrelated to the brain cancer and are shocked by the results of the CT Scan.
This is all difficult to process. First a diagnosis of brain cancer, then a possible diagnosis of melanoma, and now a mass in his chest. Really! I would be angry if I knew who to be angry with. Robert and I are taking care of each other and we will fight the current and any additional diagnosis we are confronted with. We hope for good test results and for good treatment options when needed and ultimately a cure. We hope for the strength to handle any news that is received and the ability to stay happy and strong in spite of it. The support from those that we love is amazing and so appreciated.
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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
7 comments:
We hope and pray for brighter days ahead. The waiting must be aweful. We hope and pray for a successful surgery, for the doctors and for good results from the biopsy. We hope and pray for your strength everyday. You both are an inspiration and will continue to take care of each other with out a doubt. We are here for you all, anytime,anyday! Love, Amy and Ed
We love you all and you are in our prayers. We are hoping with all our might for a good outcome. Stay strong and know that we are here for you. Love you so much....Ceil, Jay and the kids.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the hopes that things will get better. Your strength and courage is an inspiration! Lots of love, Sharon
Our hopes and prayers are constantly with you. We will continue to think positive thoughts. You are both an inspiration of strength, courage, and love. We are here for you for anything at anytime. Love, Leah and Daryl
Hi Tammy and Robert,
We have been praying for you both in the days since we read this. Please know that you are both often in my thoughts- and I would do anything that you need to help you both.
Linda
Hi Robert and Tammy,
I'm send you encouragement, HOPE, and a BIG dose of "You CAN do this!" We're keeping you in our daily prayers.
Marcee (Burns) McCarthy
The Midwest Marcuses are rooting for you and thinking about you. All the best, Sharna
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