News came today and yet the treatment plan is undetermined. Robert has been diagnosed with lymphoma in the chest. We will speak with the hematologist (oncologist) on Monday and learn more about the specifics of the type of lymphoma. We know that it is a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (B cell) and I will not even attempt to understand more then that until speaking with the doctor.
Other news came on Tuesday and it was confusing and surprising. The brain biopsy results came back negative for both lymphoma and giloblastoma. The doctors are again puzzled as it seems that each test presents us with confusing results and even more questions. Additional brain sample from the biopsy will be cut, stained, and resent for testing. This means another week of waiting for results - knowing that there is the possibility that they may not be able to determine the exact cause of Robert's cognitive disruption. We have to hope that they will be able to make a determination of what is in the brain and will be able to begin treatment immediately following. Please pray for the doctors to find answers so that we can begin treatment soon.
Please know that we are incredible humbled by the good wishes and heartfelt messages of support that keep coming. In spite of everything that is happening - there is a sense that we are being taken care of by so many and that is power.
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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
2 comments:
Happy Mothers Day dearest Tammy. No this is not the happiest of mother's Day...and yet...you have some sunshine and a gentle breeze to remind you of Life as you know it is not just as simple as holidays, vacations, school etc..you are on a different schedule...you are minute to minute..day by day. We praise you for your patience. We pray for your strength as your roles as wife, mother, friend, teacher and daughter are ripped from you and spun into mass confusion...and yet you remain strong and steadfast in the look to future healing and high hopes.
We hold you up in constant prayer and pray for your peace to look upl...feel that warm gentle breeze...breathe in and tell yourself...open to the possibilities that good things grown in hard places...and know that your rainbow is around the corner out of this storm...just take it moment by moment and rest assured you are carried in love and prayer.
We love you so very much!
XOOXOXOX
Ang, Chuck, Gabbi and Maddi Grace
Tammy,
After I read your blog, I look for Angie's comment. I feel as if she is speaking for all of us who know you. I get mental block after I read her comment. I don't know if I have ever met her. But she is so good at expressing what we all feel and pray for. I just want to say"Ditto"
With best wishes, Chitra
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