Monday, January 28, 2008
January 28th
Robert continues to amaze the doctors with his speedy and otherwise uneventful recovery. He has not suffered from many side-effects often associated with brain tumors/surgery and the medications. His physical exams demonstrate that his strength has returned to acceptable levels, his neurological functions are good, and he looks and feels good. I think that the medical staff is beginning to realize what we already knew- Robert really is a super hero!
Ok- enough medical talk. We want to thank everyone for your continued support and good wishes. We find strength in the actions, words, and prayers of our supporters. We are grateful for the daily moments of joy and happiness. We are trying to stay focused on the things that are within our control and recognize that the rest is in the hands of a power higher and stronger then us. We believe in the power of positive thinking and maintaining hope. Being surrounded by such a huge support network helps us to maintain strength even when it feels like we are struggling to complete the simplest daily task. Robert and I are celebrating todays report and continue to pray for continued for success. Thanks.
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
5 comments:
Yeah!!! I am so glad for you guys to have this good news. I know that Robert will continue to amaze us with his "superhero" powers. We will continue to pray for you!
Love,
Brian & Stacy
Robert & Tammy:
This is fantastic news! We are sitting here reading this blog with tears of joy running down our faces.
Superman, you continue to amaze us and inspire us.
Words truly cannot express the happiness of today's news.
We love you all. God bless!
Paul & Sherrie
Robert, Tammy, Bryce and Trey,
I am so glad Stacy forwarded your blog to me so I can keep up to date on your progress. We are very happy to hear this news and will continue to pray for your complete recovery.
Love,
Al and Peggy
I am so happy for your great news!
I think of all of you so often! Our positive thoughts and prayers will continue your way!!
Love, Tara
WHOWHOA YIPPPPPEE YIWAYEEEE WYYAOOOOWOO YAHHHOOOO WHHHOWAYYYY YEAHHHHHHH! Great news! God is sooo good. Yes..there are many things to be so thankful! We continue to keep you strong in prayer, strong in hopes for healing and happiness! Robert...keep keepin on man...you sure are a SUPER HERO!!! Love you so! XOXOXO McLean crew
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