Monday, January 28, 2008

January 28th

We have done the 1st MRI since the first round of treatment and we are happy to report good news. The doctor compared today's MRI with one that was completed in Nov. and it appears to show that surgery and treatments have/are working. There are still some 'white' shadows around the area where the tumor had been and they tell us that this is either residual tumor or irritation from the radiation treatments. The hole where the tumor was, has filled in with spinal fluid and this is apparently what they want to see. There was a new white spot that was showing, but the doctor was not concerned. She believes that this is irritation and not a tumor based on other medical factors. She was very pleased with the scans and felt that this was a good report. Robert will continue to have scans every two months forever.
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.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

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

Sherrie Bobbin said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Tara said...

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

Angie McLean said...

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

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