Chemotherapy before surgery

kenobewan · Regular Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

I have a low grade OA primary brain tumor. It was debulked 50% 2 years ago.

I have just been told that I cannot safely have more than 50% of the remainder resected, while I was hoping for over 90% of original amount due the potential prognostic value.

Does anyone know of information/ research that I can take to my oncologist to support an approach of having chemo first to hopefully clean up most of the diffuse tumor leaving the possibility of solid areas for the surgeon to safely remove?

brainman · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject: Re: Chemotherapy before surgery

Hi kenobewan,

I am very sorry about your brain tumor.

I do not have any source information. However, I did have chemotherapy (one cycle only) prior to my surgery. I do not know how much on cycle help.

Unfortunately, the nature of a glioma is such that it is hardly ever possible to remove over 75% of it. Even then, in order to remove that much, the surgeon would need to remove so much health brain that it could result in significant impact of functions and quality of life. A glioma is not a solid tumor... it is more like a cotton ball with tentacles reaching out in all directions. I saw my mother's MRI. Her tumor looked more like an octopus with arms going out in all directions. Your best option is to have as much as possible removed surgically and the get radiation therapy for the remainder.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jim
Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2405
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2528
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kenobewan · Regular Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

Hi brainman,

Thanks for replying. I saw in one of your posts that you had had chemo first and I haven't seen this mentioned by a BT patient before.

I am aware that it is a long shot but thought it was worth giving a try first Smile

.

brainman · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:34 pm Post subject: Re: Chemotherapy before surgery

Hey, I totally understand where you are coming from. You are wise to try to improve your odds. Good luck.
_________________
Jim
Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2405
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2528
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 3: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Twitter: @JimHawkins54

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