Saturday, July 18, 2009

The Kinberg family has been deeply touched and continues to appreciate the love and support they have received. The many acts of kindness and good deeds have changed their lives forever. A number of people who have been following Robert’s condition have asked how they can support the family to offset existing and anticipated expenses. I wanted to let you know that Robert’s parents, Betty and Elliot, have set up an account for this purpose. If you would like to contribute, checks will be accepted in Elliot’s name to the following address – 6125 Harbour Overlook, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Contact phone number is 770-751 3813. Anyone who has a current Pay Pal account may send a donation directly to Elliot’s email at ekinberg@bellsouth.net. Please know that the family is thankful for the good wishes, prayers, and positive energy that have been showered upon them and nothing else is expected.

Sincerely,

Neil Weinstein(Cousin of Robert)

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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