Grade 4 Glyo Blastoma (27.1.08)
Posted on: Sat, 01/03/2008 - 16:41
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Grade 4 Glyo Blastoma (27.1.08)
My husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2007. He had a biopsy operation in December and was told it was a grade 3 malignant tumour. He had an operation to remove the tumour nearly 2 weeks ago. Last week we were told tests confirmed that the tumour is a grade 4 not grade 3 as originally thought. We saw the Oncologist on Wednesday to discuss treatment. My husband was devasted to learn that the cancer cannot be eradicated and will return (although it is not known how long he will be cancer free). He now has to face radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy for 6 weeks followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. It all looks very bleak at the moment so if anyone has anything positive to say at this stage, we would welcome their comments. We were planning to go on holiday this May before all this happened. We would still like to go once all the treatment is complete, if possible. Does anyone know of an insurance company that we could use? Finally he has read some disturbing comments about steroids. Do you have to take steroids or can you stop taking them at some points during the treatment?
Hi My husband also has GBM grade 4. He is on 16mg steroids (dex) they seem to affect people so differently. GBM has so many prognosis for different people my Husband is not so lucky as his tumour regrew 6 weeks after being removed but others I know of have been 2-3 years. All I would say is make the most of the time your husband. As I have quoted before my daughter who is a police traffic officer said 'I see everyday people who set off to work in their cars and just don't make it at least you know your partner has a short life span and you have the chance to say and do many don't' . hope all goes well for you both and please feel free to ask any questions however insignificant you might sonmetimes feel they are
Barbara
Mary
sorry to hear about your husband. I personally would leave your travel arrangements until your husband has had his radiotherapy and chemo and see how he is feeling. You can always book a last minute deal. A few people I know have taken a week inbetween the first and 2nd set of chemo.
Steroids are a very complex drug they are very good at reducing the swelling and pressure within the brain but can cause muscle wastage in the thighs mainly leaving the patient with less mobility and also diabetes. A good website about steroids and their management is www.brainhospice.com A word of warning about this site is that it is very factual and can be quite upsetting to read. If you want to ask anyother questions please feel free.
Barbara
I have just joined this forum, my partner has glioblastoma, has had a debulk op, now almost finished 6 weeks of radio and chemo, he is phisically well, but has had a severe personality change, what a horrible disease. We have an 8 year old daughter Martine, who is so very quiet and does not speak to much about how she is feeling.
love gayle x