Update on my Brother, Qld Australia

ksplat

Hi all
My bro - Mark, saw his neurosurgeon y'day to get result of last weeks' MRI. He was told 2 very small tumours have appeared, apparently not too concerned yet. Dr says 3 more months on Temodal & follow up MRI in 2 months. Bro asked if the news was good? Dr said yes...he also said because growth is small, he will treat with Temodal with a view to keep growth under control (I know GBM IV is notorious for changing pace & growing rapidly...I'm skeptical!!). Mark is still drinking "juice" & blessing himself with Lourdes Water daily.
Mark told Dr about frequent headaches & Dr said due to debulking of last tumour there is now an empty space in his R frontal lobe from surgery & that brain fluid will naturally fill this space which causes the pressure, resulting in headaches.
I am so sympathetic for all our loved ones & friends on this "journey". I can't imagine the emotional effects on a sufferer, waiting for the next MRI & subsequent results!
My darling Mark has no real quality in the meantime. He has rehab 2 days per week to look forward to & then for the rest of the time he has his dear Wife & family & lots of empty hours to sit & wait for the next appt, blood test or some other mind-numbing activity to look forward to. Mark is still not mobile so is stuck in the house all day every day.
I had myself in a "real state" this past week waiting for MRI result...I can't imagine how difficult this past week or so has been for Mark!
It makes me very sad to think of him & his condition. My sympathies, love & support to all here who are enduring these challenges on a daily basis. Blessings, Aussie Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

brainman

Angie, thanks for keeping us posted about Mark! You know you and Mark are in my thoughts and prayers. From personal experience, I know what is like to live from appointment to appointment, MRI to MRI. In fact, I called the doctor yesterday (August 7) to confirm my next MRI on August 27).

I am sorry to hear that they still could find 2 tumors. I do not really know what to say. I do hope that his treatments both standard and complimentary will take care of them.

When was the last time you had a chance to visit Mark? I know you don't live in the same neighborhood but it might be a good time to go see him and help him enjoy some of the empty time he has.
_________________
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/

jenugl

Hi Angie, I'm sorry to hear that Mark's MRI wasn't clear. I (as I'm sure 100's of others) was praying so hard that it would be clear. Hopefully the treatments will help. I'm actually stuck for words........ I hope Mark can find peace and some enjoyment in his life besides rehab and waiting for Dr's and tests. Life is so short that we need to enjoy some aspect of everyday - even if it involves sitting around all day. There is so much to be thankful for (although times like these push that theory to its limits). The sun is out, or the rain is falling. There's a good book in your hands, a great movie on the telly. Family or friends to talk with, the birds are singing and so on...... if we look hard enough, we will find something. I know there are times when we can't think that way (I've been there myself quite a few times) but I think it's always nice to be reminded. My thoughts, love and prayers are with you, Mark and family. Love to all. Jen.
p.s - so much for being stuck for words. Smile

kashrel · Regular Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 25

Dear Angie

So sorry to hear to hear the latest results of the MRi for Mark. The waiting/testing/retesting/treatment regime is brutal and seems endless at times. I agree with Jim that if you are not living closeby it might be a good idea to go and visit him and spend some quality time with him.

It is hard for GBM patients to have much quality of life as so much of their daily function ing is affcted. My dad could not concentrate or process information properly so he was unable to read, watch TV or play simple games with his grandchildren even. His greatest enjoyment was the time spent with his wife,children and freinds. He had lots of visitors from out of town and when I reflect on his illness they were certainly the best times he had. The love and support of friends helped all of us to get through it. It was wonderful to sit and reminisce about old times with family. He never lost that long term memory so he was able to do that.

Also music was calming and relaxing for my dad. you may already be doing this with him though.

anyway, dont delay go and be with him and take the time off now when he is still able to communicate, talk and laugh with you.

Will be thinking of you and Mark and sending you much strength.
regards
Karen
_________________
Karen
Melbourne

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