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matt88
New User
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Location: chicago, il
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 Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:52 pm Post subject: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) IV....Any hope for a friend? |
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Hi everyone. I have joined this forum to gain more information on my friends issue. Any information would be wonderful. First a back story. My friend is 24 M and healthy (except for this thing in his brain....as he puts it  ) This came on suddenly...I mean he came to work on Sept 26 with a headache which turned into a "migraine", then blurry vision. we took him to a hospital within 4hrs. once we arrived he couldn't remember his address, couldn't determine right from left....you get the idea.
He has been diagnosed with GBM 4 after surgery. they couldn't get all of the egg shaped tumor in the front left cortex of his brain (due to possible paralysis). he now has turned down a risky surgery and decided to get radiation and chemo.
I guess my questions are:
Does anyone know anyone this age who has had this?
Any clinical trials that may have worked?
Whats the prognosis of someone his age?
Any advice?
Yes I have browsed the internet and found info but you can't believe everything you read on the internet right? I'm searching for a more personable perspective. I have browsed through these forums and learned a lot but I want as much information as I can to help my friend (and myself) through these difficult times. He is in good spirits and preparing for radiation and chemo.
My regards to all,
Matt |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3968
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:03 am Post subject: Re: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) IV....Any hope for a friend? |
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Matt, I am extremely sorry about your friend's GBMIV  . He is very young indeed to have such an advanced glioma. It is not unheard of but rare for such a young person to have a GBMIV.
Your friend was fortunate to be able to have any surgery. Often, a GBM is like a octopus with tentacles growing in all directions.
Unfortunately, that is where the good news ends. The prognosis at any age is not very good... maybe a couple of years if the chemo and radiation can slow it down.
But then a prognosis is just a statistical probability. If my original prognosis had been correct, I would have died at least 5 years ago. I like to known my prognosis but only in order to set realistic goals for the things that I still would like to do with whatever time I have left. However, after setting those priorities, I try to forget the prognosis and live one day at a time working to achieve those goals. Believe me, it is harder than I make it sound... especially at the beginning when I was still in shock.
My suggestion is that you help your friend by being his "dream factory". Help him do identify the things that realistically he can still do and enjoy. Then help him to do those things, see those High School friends, play in the snow... whatever. You get the idea 
You are a wonderful person to want to help your friend. He is very fortunate to have you as his friend.
You and your friend 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/ |
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matt88
New User
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Location: chicago, il
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| Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) IV....Any hope for a friend? |
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| Thanks brainman....You are correct in saying that he had 'tentacles' in his tumor. hence why they couldn't continue surgery. he has already turned that option down (further surgery...it would effect his speech.) as a future option and going with radiation and chemo for the rest of his tumor. unfortunately what you are saying is what I have been reading.....I'm the same age so I'm trying to grasp this concept that a friend so young could be going through this. he as at one of the best neurological centers in the country (Rush Medical in Chicago). Do you or anyone here know of any clinical trails that have worked? |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3968
Location: Tennessee
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matt88
New User
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Location: chicago, il
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| Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject: Re: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) IV....Any hope for a friend? |
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| Thanks....we are looking all around Chicago.....and every where else. |
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