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ksplat
Moderator
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 432
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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 Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:22 am Post subject: Update on my Bro |
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Hello to all my family here
Mark is still in hospital since last surgery 19 Feb, it's been almost a month now!
He has been suffering giddy/dizzy turns since op & although he's been doing intensive rehab still isn't confident to go home with these blasted "turns" he's having. Medical team are suggesting it may be the chemo wafers, but they can't say for sure. Also mentioned something about the op site taking it's time to settle back down again.
With his sense of humour intact (PTL) he is still remaining upbeat & positive. The other day Mark & his SO were outside for some fresh air. A nurse came looking for Mark as there was a Dr looking for him. Kath (SO) asked the Dr's name & what he does. They were told he was a Diabetes specialist & Kath said "I don't know why he wants to see Mark?"
Mark commented "There's NO WAY I'm copping Diabetes as well as the tumour, tell them (Dr) they can SHOVE IT UP THEIR A---!!" He had a very sly grin on his face as he said it too! Cheeky bugger! We've all been having a good laugh about this all week.
Nothing much else to report except for the UTI & the Haemmoroid! Poor love, God bless him for being able to laugh at himself.
Love all 'round!
Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227
"Without Faith We Have Nothing" |
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jenugl
Moderator
Joined: 24 Sep 2006
Posts: 170
Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:40 am Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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LOL - Your brother sounds fantastic. It's exactly what my Andrew would say. Even in hospital the day after surgery Andrew's best friend and I were pushing him around the corridors in the middle of the night playing jokes upon staff and laughing our heads of at the silliest things. Laughter keeps the world sane - I think. Send my love and support to Mark, I hope he can get out of hospital soon. Love Jen.
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Love to all. Jen.
_____________________________
Partner of GBMIV survivor - so far.
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9502 |
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ksplat
Moderator
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 432
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:02 am Post subject: A scare!! |
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Hi all
I've just returned from visiting Mark at the Gold Coast. He became extremely ill on Sat with the UTI & wasn't able to pee at all....so they had to re-catheterise him. He was also on pethidine & they also gave him oxygen. It was very scary. I've never seen him so low!
Fortunately, he's bounced back today (Monday) & after a change of antibiotic yesterday was able to eat a little bit of breakfast today. Had a sheepish smile on his face too when I arrived to visit before driving back to Brisneyland! I told him he must have been "putting it on" yesterday because he was sitting up talking today. His mate phoned & told him he deserved an Academy Award!
Sooooo relieved. I had to go see him because talking to family over the phone about Mark's condition made me more upset. Lucky we only live just over 1 hr away!!
Love all 'round, Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227
"Without Faith We Have Nothing" |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3319
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:25 am Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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I am glad the Mark is doing better. It is a marvel how much better you feel after being catheterised  . I know from personal experience.
Glad you had a safe trip.
_________________
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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ksplat
Moderator
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 432
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject: Mark's progress |
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Hello all
Mark was allowed home for a short time yesterday to see how he would cope with transferring from his wheelchair to toilet & bed, etc. Apparently, things went well for him & Dr says he will be home before next weekend. This will cheer him up no end as he's been very down about more than a month in hospital.
He is still doing intensive rehab & the bladder infection has cleared up.
Hooroo
Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227
"Without Faith We Have Nothing" |
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ksplat
Moderator
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 432
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 7:03 pm Post subject: Re: Mark's progress |
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Hello friends
Mark had a further MRI this week after having Gliadel (chemo) wafers placed in tumour bed in Feb 08.
Neuro Dr had to consult other colleagues & research after viewing scan as Mark is his 1st patient to use the wafers. Mark was told that there is a white matter surrounding tumour which may be a cyst? The tumour has grown but not sufficiently to require a craniotomy just yet. Neuro has prescribed Temodal cycle (5 days on 23 off) for the next 2 mths & then another MRI. Check if cyst is still there & maybe only have to drain cyst, not major surgery.
Neuro feels Mark's "quality of life" is fairly good despite Mark being confined to a wheelchair. He's not presenting with any other deficits from the tumour & is well overall.
Mark was elated to receive this news & said to us that he had "2 more months, SWEET"!
We are all relieved & happy for him, especially glad that he doesn't have to go in for debulking surgery.
Hooroo & best wishes,
Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227
"Without Faith We Have Nothing" |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3319
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 9:35 am Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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Angie, thank you for keeping us informed about Mark's condition. You know that my heart goes out to you and to Mark and his family. I always think of him and give a little prayer for him when I see a post from you... even if you are replying to someone else.
_________________
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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Mama 2 2
Regular
Joined: 29 Nov 2007
Posts: 42
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC
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| Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 11:05 pm Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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Hey there Angie!
So glad to hear the update and that Mark is fairing so well. I have been thinking of you and your bro often and wondering how he was. While regrowth is unfortunate, it sounds like otherwise things are okay.
Thanks for keeping us posted!
~C~
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~Life's too sweet to be bitter~
Our Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about7982.html |
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Aimster
Regular
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 35
Location: Nebraska
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| Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 10:31 am Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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Hello Angie,
Glad to hear that Mark is doing pretty well, and has avoided surgery! I will keep all of you in my prayers.
_________________
Amy (39)
*presumptive low-grade glioma in right frontal lobe (first observed Aug. 2007; diagnosed Jan. 2008)
*watching & waiting, but anticipating resection in the next year or so
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=28526 |
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jenugl
Moderator
Joined: 24 Sep 2006
Posts: 170
Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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| Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:57 am Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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Hi Angie, I'm glad to hear that Mark is coping well and doesnt have to have surgery so soon. I keep praying for that cure to be found sooner rather than later (I know there will be one eventually). Keep your spirits up, you are one amazing woman. Your brother and his SO must be very special people. This is what life is all about - family, friends and living a fulfilled and happy life. Thinking of you all, always. Love Jen.
_________________
Love to all. Jen.
_____________________________
Partner of GBMIV survivor - so far.
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9502 |
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ksplat
Moderator
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 432
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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| Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:13 pm Post subject: Update on Mark |
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Hello to all my family here,
Mark had a further MRI yesterday (2 months since last one where a cyst was diagnosed growing around the tumour). Neuro says the cyst has formed due to dead cancer cells not having any other way of being useful in the brain space!
Well amazing, fantastic! The cyst hasn't increased nor has the tumour! Praise God. The power of prayer is a true blessing.
Mark was happy dancing (on the inside because of his disability lol!)
A further MRI in 6 wks time & he was given another 5 mths worth of prescriptions for Temodal 5/23.
Something which I've been concerned about is Mark's "long term" use of steroids. Especially this past month he has been very withdrawn & depressed. I know the steroids can effect his moods. His Neuro told him yesterday that he can "self medicate" for his headaches with the steroids! This seems a little reckless to me?! I was hoping/praying the neuro would start to decrease the steroids, especially with a positive report yesterday?!!
Can anyone here offer their insight on this?
Thankyou to all here for their prayers & support.
Cheers, Angie. (Happy dancing today!!)
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227
"Without Faith We Have Nothing" |
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Mama 2 2
Regular
Joined: 29 Nov 2007
Posts: 42
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC
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| Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 2:41 am Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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Oh Angie!
I am happy dancing with you today too! SO glad to hear Mark's MRI was good! 
It does sound a little odd about the steroids though . . . . Elias hasn't had to go the steroid route so I'm sorry to have no help for you there.
It really is great to hear about the scan though!
~C~
_________________
~Life's too sweet to be bitter~
Our Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about7982.html |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3319
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 12:12 pm Post subject: Re: My Bro has tumour regrowth....3rd craniotomy 19 Feb '08 |
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\/ Dancing with you, Angie !!! WONDERFUL news!!!!
The problem with the steroids as finding the correct balance. Without the steroids, the swelling and headaches will increase but was the steroids, Mark will have increasing mood changes. That is why the doctor told Mark to "self medicate." A better term might be "titrate"... adjusting the dosage for the best balance.
_________________
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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