Wednesday, April 29, 2009

April 29th

The brain biopsy went well yesterday and the results will take 5-7 working days. Yesterday was a long day as we arrived at the hospital at 6am for an MRI and the biopsy didn't begin until 3pm. Robert spent the night in the NCCU -Neuro Critical Care Unit- and may possible get to come home today. I am leaving for the hospital to try and capture and release him. If he does not come home I will spend the night with him as he will be moved to a recovery floor. We thank everyone again for your wonder words good wishes. Thanks to all!
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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi Tammy - glad to hear that things went well. Give our best to Robert!

Tarisa

April 29, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Tracy Tepp said...

Robert, glad to hear you had a good day. We're thinking about you down in Atlanta.

Tracy and Bruce!

April 29, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Angie McLean said...

Good news sista! I hear there is these magic powers in a kiss...a kiss that gently shares a warm sense of yes....you are in good hands and the power that you are on a road to healing kind of kiss. Know that you have these kisses to give. Each and every one...know they are the best medicine for Robert really.

You are his sunshine in this storm. Keep breathing one breath at a time...one foot in front of the other. You will find your way out to a brighness like no other...
Keep those kisses coming! :)
xcoo
In Him...in your constant prayerful hopes of peace and comfort
Ang, Chuck, Gabbi girl and Maddi Grace

April 29, 2009 at 10:59 PM

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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