It Has A Name..

Today I went to the hospital to see the neurologist for my pathology results and a quick check up. My incision looks good, but I have been having some muscle and bone pain in the backs of my legs and buttocks. The surgeon told me he would send me for a Doppler test to check for blood clots. Luckily they did not find any and the surgeon told me it could be caused from being unsteady and nervous when I walk, so I tighten the muscles to stabilize myself.

The surgeon then sat down and read my pathology results. It was as we suspected, Stage 4 Glioblastoma Mulitforme. I guess it wasn't as shocking to hear that as it would have been for other people because I had already prepared myself and had a feeling that's what it was anyways. The surgeon explained that the tumor had done some damage to my peripheral vision and that I probably won't ever drive again and that he would see me again after my series of radiation treatments.

We asked the surgeon what could have caused this to happen and he said it was just bad luck. That its not genetic and that cancer just decided to choose me. He is also hoping that if all goes well I could have up to 24 months, but we take one day at a time.

Glioblastoma Multiforme (Grade IV)
These tumours may contain various cell types, hence the name "multiforme". The most common cell types are astrocytes. Most of these tumours occur in the cerebral hemispheres and often involve the corpus callosum. The cells of these tumours grow quickly, are not well defined, and they may frequently spread throughout the brain. The most common symptoms are due to increased pressure in the brain and can include headache, vomiting, drowsiness and nausea. Presentation of this tumour is often within the 4th to the 7th decade of life. This tumour type represents 12-15% of all intracranial tumours.

Surgery may be performed to remove as much tumour as possible. Radiation and chemotherapy are often then used to control growth of the tumour. Recent studies have shown promise in the use of radiation and chemotherapy (specifically Temozolomide®) at the same time to improve quality of life and increase survival.