It feels surreal- everything seems surreal. The fact that Robert is no longer physically with us seems unbelievable. It seems impossible and yet I was there through it all. I watched it happen and yet - I can not seem to comprehend it. This phase of the journey is more difficult then I could have imagined. We spend our days trying to function without Robert and it seems wrong. There are no words to express what we are feeling and experiencing.
We are working to get through the darkness and find physical and emotional peace. We are so grateful for the immense amount of support that we have received and know that this is critical to our healing. I will pick myself up. I will properly thank others and find ways to give back. For now - I ask for your patience - during this most difficult time. Love to all - Tammy, Bryce, & Trey
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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:
Your continued strength through this is amazing. Take time for yourself and for your own healing. Don't forget to take care of you! We wish you peace as you work through this sad time.
Much love,
Leah, Daryl and Brynn
Dear Tammy,
I can only imagine how difficult things seem right now, but I promise you things will get better. Robert will always be in your heart and soul. Robert is now himself again. He is pain-free, cancer-free and at peace. No more poking, drugs and doctors. He went from your arms to God's so he is in a really great place. Just remember he left you the gift of 2 beautiful sons. So Robert is always present. The gift of time will heal your broken heart.
Love,
Mary Eichelman
I'm very, very sorry for your loss. I did not know Robert personally, but work at the same facility and heard about his passing. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Carolyn C Valdez
Tammy, I was thinking about you today and praying as the Lord brought you to mind. I know that this time will be some of the hardest you face. I pray for God's grace, peace and comfort to be on you and your boys. I pray that you are able to find ways to take care of yourself and to enjoy the time with your boys.
May God continue to give you strength.
Erinn Ragan
(friend of Kim - RFE teacher)
Tammy
You are in my thoughts every day. Please know that if you need to talk about your grief or the unreality of all of it, I am here, and more than willing to listen.
Anne
Robert and Tammy gave us many gifts in the eight years since we moved to Stone Hill Farm. The first one was a pretty terra cotta pot filled with a bouquet of flowers made out of candy. We found it on our porch right after we moved in. What a unique gift with which to welcome new neighbors! We had never received anything like it before or since. In 2003, they gave us Bryce, followed by his brother Trey two years later. What a treat to have two little boys in a cul-de-sac filled with all girls (except Zack)! We have enjoyed watching them play, smile, and grow over the years. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed, with Bryce going off on the school bus and Trey in Pre School. What really tickles me is how much the boys love baseball and the Orioles. It brings me back to my own childhood when I loved baseball just as much as Bryce does. Of course, I couldn’t play baseball as well as Bryce. My husband tells me it’s because I throw like a girl!
Since October 2007, Robert and Tammy have given us many more gifts, so profound that they are life changing. They taught us how to face life’s trials with courage and a smile. They faced their toughest battle together with strength and determination, always keeping a positive attitude and pushing back despair. They took time to create precious memories for each other and for their children. They taught us how to hold onto and appreciate the little moments in life, the ones you usually take for granted – your child’s smile, a kiss on the cheek, the sound of laughter. They helped bring a neighborhood of acquaintances together to form a caring support group. They taught us to be more charitable by their example, working tirelessly to support the National Brain Tumor Society. We feel blessed to have known Robert and Tammy. We will miss Robert’s physical presence, but we are comforted to know that he is no longer in pain. We know he will be watching over his children at play from the heavens above.
Don, Anna and Natalie Lybrook
Neighbors
tammy- i am a mom from worthington who heard about your tragic loss. you don't know me but i just wanted to say how very sorry i am. i can only imagine the loss of a spouse. so many of us fellow moms are pulling for you, thinking of you, hoping you are okay. you have shown amazing strength from what we hear. take care of you and know that so many care!
-paula d'alonzo
Hey Tammy, I'm at Pearlstone Retreat Center. I don't know if that's anywhere near you guys. However, if you want to come by, I'd love to see you.
I will be here through Tuesday night: 773-620-7262
Much love,
sharna
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