Glioblastoma Multiforme

Indie · New User Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 2

Hi all

My 75 year old dad was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme a week ago. His tumour is 2cm and in the parietal lobe.

Currently he is on dexamethasone and is starting radiotherapy next week - daily for seven days. We've been told that neither chemotherapy nor surgery are an option for him because of the location of the tumour. He also has a heart condition which may also have affected the decision not to operate, and I guess age may be a factor.

My mother and I are obviously devastated and my dad is in denial about the diagnosis. He says he feels well and thinks the doctors are over-reacting. He has some vision problems but is otherwise doing well with no headaches or seizures; he also has a good appetite and is sleeping well.

Does anyone have any experience of progression of GBM for a tumour of this size / location?

Thanks for reading Smile

brainman · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject: Re: Glioblastoma Multiforme

Hi Indie, I am very sorry about your father's GBM diagnosis. My mother died of a GBM over 9 years ago only 2 months after her diagnosis. She was also 75 years old at the time. However, her GBM was much more extensive. In fact it was so large that it caused mid-line shift. I too have a history with my own glioma. Your can click on the link in my signature block to read my story.

My mother was well past surgical resection of her tumor. However, it does surprise me a little that surgery has been ruled out for your father. My mother opted for no treatment. Had it been smaller, I think she would have talked about options.

No, your father's doctors are not over-reacting. A GBM is almost 100% fatal within 2-3 years of not less. The fact that he has so few symptoms is not unusual. A GBM can be a silent killer in that sense. My mother just started to sleep longer and longer, eating less and less as time past. One Sunday morning she briefly woke up but only to smile at me for one last time. Then, she went back to sleep and died just a few hours later.

I do not know what else to tell you but I will try to answer any questions you have.

You and your father are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

ksplat · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: Glioblastoma Multiforme

Dear Indie
I too am very sorry to hear of your Dad's diagnosis. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
Are the Drs not operating because of the position of tumour?
This is a great place to come to for information & support. We are a very close & caring community of either cancer sufferers or family & carers of them.
My Bro was dx with a GBMIV in Feb this year (it was only small- 0.5mm) & because of it's position (R frontal lobe, on brainstem) was told it was inoperable. He started radiation & chemo but he reacted very badly to the radiation & this treatment was stopped after 4.5 wks. The tumour grew aggressively during this time & in May, surgeon decided to resect tumour.
Symptoms at Dx were L sided heaviness in leg & arm. These symptoms changed rapidly with the growth of tumour & Mark was having seizures & was hospitalised a couple of times.
Surgeon decided to resect in May & Mark was left with paralysis on complete L side (like he's had a stroke). Mark is still doing rehab twice a week to try & improve.
He had a "good window" of remission & at this time due to the success of the surgery & he was also drinking a "juice" extracted from a plant in WA (indigenous bush medicine) & he is still drinking juice today. MRI was clear for a couple of months & then 2 small spots appeared in Oct. Small tumours quadrupled in size in 1 month & Mark went back to hospital for resection again! He has had no deficits from this last surgery, & just over a week ago he & his wife flew to Hawaii for a 2 week holiday (no insurance of course because no-one would touch him!!).
Mark & his wife had been planning this holiday since Dx in Feb 07. He's a tough & resilient bloke, who has remained fairly positive through this LONG & ARDUOUS journey!
Mark continues on chemo (Temodal) currently & waits for his next MRI when he returns from his holiday.
I hope sharing my Bro's story has given you some clarity regarding your Father. I pray for the best possible outcome for your Father & your family.
Cheers, Aussie Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

bdgrimm · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 1:59 pm Post subject: Options

Do any of you have any experience with the Ruta-6 protocol, also known as the Banerji protocol. I've read quite a bit about it and continue to be amazed at the story. I was dx with GBM in Jan of this year, and am now feeling better than I have felt in 20yrs.

The Banerji Protocol was reviewed and published in the International Journal of Oncology in 2003, and duplicated and approved of by M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1996. I've been on it for four months or so now, and my most recent MRI showed signs of tumor shrinkage (I had only been on it for 1.5 months at that time).

For more info search google for "Banerji protocol" "Ruta 6", and/or "Dr. Banerji". I'd also be happy to share my experiences with anyone via email or phone. satvastemple *at* hotmail *dot* com.

Best wishes to all of you,
Happy Holidays,
Brian

Indie · New User Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 2

Thank you all for your replies. I am pleased to have found this forum - an invaluable place to get advice Very Happy

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