Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4th
The 'not knowing' is not the most difficult part - it is the 'not doing' that is the hardest. It is as if the 'diagnoses' that will be given don't even matter anymore, it is the treatment plan that is important. We must have more information before treatment is to begin - so we will have to keep testing and waiting - but ultimately they can label the masses 'anything' and the most important information for us is what treatments are available and how effective are they. This is not to insinuate that the doctors are not working as quickly and as diligently as they can to diagnose and treat Robert. We can not express the amount of admiration and trust we have in the team of doctors that are fighting for us and with us. They are compassionate and caring and we pray for them to find the answers and celebrate Robert's recovery with us.
There have been inspirational moments and moments of recognition that we are surrounded by so many good people and it does keep our spirits raised.
On April 19th our friends supported us in raising 1,000 at our charity yard sale. They were planners, organizers, contributors, photographers, and the most amazing sales people. They arrived early and stayed late to keep pushing to do more. They raised awareness of brain cancer and raised money for critical research. They did it all with great energy and spirit. They are our never ending cheerleaders and we are forever grateful.
On May 3rd we completed the Race For Hope-DC surrounded by friends and family. Things were different then the year before and yet the inspiration and overwhelming emotion the the day remained the same. The team was bigger, the t-shirts were new (and GREAT), and the weather was different. The day that we had been planning for - for so long came and went quickly. Robert was able to attend and was pushed in a wheelchair by his brother. Having friends that will travel to DC in the rain and walk with us is an unbelievable act of support and we feel thankful to have so many people to call 'friends' We thank everyone who supported us through donations and know that you have made a difference in our lives and the lives of others.
There are so many people to thank- We thank those that bring us food, plant & deliver flowers for the sole purpose of giving them to others, send us messages of encouragement, send parking & food coupons for Hopkins, donate t-shirts, design/copy pamphlets, give an i-pod gift card so that we can find the music that helps to sooth our souls, arrange for a free haircut, arrange for baseball games and batting practice, who read this blog, give their time & energy to raise money and support our charities, and care for our children.
Thank you to those that make us laugh and allow us to be the center of attention. We look forward to the day that we hold conversations that involve other people.
Thanks to all!
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
8 comments:
You amaze me....
We had a great time yesterday at the Race for Hope. We were so glad to have Robert there. Keep staying positive!
Thanks for the update.You are both an inspiration. Keep up the great attitude.
I just wanted to let you know, that I read this blog everyday, most of the time more then once, your strength, love and support for each other is amazing.
Growing up I have watch the friendship and support of all of Jason and Christine's friends in awe. But, after seeing and reading this over the past few years and hearing all of the stories, I can't explain to you the feeling it gives me to know that you can all depend on each other. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Robin McCready
(Christine and Amy's Cousin)
Ok...so now you did the walk. Awesome job! Now...let's run away with a cure! Now let's jump for joy in the goodness of your love in family and faith. Let's skip to the tune of It's the eye of the tiger and the willing to fight...rising up to the fight of the challenge...that's right! Robert our own "Rocky"...get those heads up...chin up....gloves up...get this fight on and go and get em'.
We love you so! Know that we are on bended knee deep in prayer and contrition for good news, good plans and good progress. Lord willing you will find peace and comfort in a way to find healing and a heavy heart of gratitude in Robert's progress.
We love you so very much! OOX
Ang, CHuck, Gabbi and Maddi
P.S. Maddi grace says..You have do get better you just have to! XOoXO
Tammy and Robert,
We just got your news and I read your blog over and over today trying to grasp what you are possibly dealing with day to day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Robert and I are only about 6 weeks apart in age and Caryn and I also have two young daughters so on one level we are both at very similar places in life. Every word you write is really hitting home.
We are summoning our most positive energy and sending it to all of you for strength on this journey and for a successful outcome!!
All the best,
Eric, Caryn, Ava and Lila Marcus
Chicago, IL
We are thinking of you and praying every day.
Love to you all.
The Segala Family
In the days ahead may you continue to filled with that same enormous strength and faith you are showing all of us. Keep on keeping on! You can both do it!
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