Robert has had a good weekend and we took time to play card games and video games with the boys. Those moments when we are all awake at the same time, together, and able to have interaction are the most precious moments for all for us. It is difficult to comprehend the many changes that have occurred over the last two months and we are doing our best to focus on the moments that happen now - instead of looking back at what has changed and is missing.
The moments when we hear words of encouragement, the moments that we are given hugs, the moments that we read notes of hope, and the moments that we are allowed to share our story give us strength to deal with the pain. The moments that the boys are being entertained and loved, gives us time to sort through and deal with the logistics. Knowing that so many people care has given us the ability stay energized when we felt that there was no possible way to find energy to keep moving forward. We carry all of the good wishes and positive energy with us and each time we go to the hospital we are honored to have you traveling with us. We know that we are not alone and it is comforting. Thank you.
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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
8 comments:
Glad that you got to have some fun family time this weekend. I will hope for a good week for you too.
I didn't mean for my comment to be anonymous. Of course I want you to know that I am thinking of your entire family.
Linda Ferbert
Tammy and Robert,
I have been reading your blog and am so touched by what you share and want you to know you and Robert and your precious family are on so many prayer chains. We are praying for strenghth for you and Robert and want you to know there is not day that goes by that that we don't think about you and pray for you.
Love
Bev Harrison
I pray for peace and comfort..and of course miracles.
Moments..you share...moments you treasure! You are right...no looking back...just up. Look up! Look up to see what miracles will come today! Look up to find that we've been given yet another day...together...moments.
Take the time to stop and tell yourself...each moment...each breath is a present gift...let you live for those precious moments...time...that is your gift now...time to live in the moments. We pray for you to find that balance...for you to find that courage and strength to hope and abate the fear. PRayers for you to be strong and let the weakness subside in a calm that you know you are on a good path...a path of powerful love love love. Go love on in those moments. Find that miracle of belly laughter today...feel that warm smirk of sillyness...somehow...someway..find that sunshine in your hearts to warm your soul as you find moments that you want to keep forever.
God bless you. You are so loved!
Peace-
In HIm all things are well.
Angie, CHuck, Gabbi and Maddi McLean
Tammy,
Thank you for your continued updates. Your family is in my thoughts everyday. Life continually challenges us to change our perspective and our definitions of words such as miracles, gratitude, and hope. Every breath and moment together is a miracle. For each and everyone of us really. The gift is now. Its the only one we can count on. Life just doles out the good and the bad and all we can do is choose how to deal the best we can. You and your family continue to inspire me with your strength and grace even in your more difficult moments. I love you and continue to pray everyday for peace, joy, laughter, love, and time.
Linda, Brandon, & Chad
Thank you for sharing your joys, your tears and your frustrations. Thank you for keeping us all updated! As always your family is in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Alicia Rob and Kaleb Laboissonniere
You handle this with such grace. We think of you often. We wish you courage, strength, patience, and comfort to help you and the entire family throughout this nightmare. You're always in our prayers. Much love,
Leah, Daryl, and Brynn
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