Astrocytoma Grade III-Survivor

angelkisses

gradeIII/IV astrcytoma
My husband is 30 years old and has had brain cancer for 2 years and four months. its great and encouraging to see and hear about others who have been through this and are reaching out to help and support others. I would have loved to have known about this a couple years ago. My husband has had three tumors. He had surgery on the initial tumor and then radiation and temodar, then he had a radio steriotactic surgery aka gamma knife and more temodar, then when the temodar stopped working and he had all the radiation they felt like his brain could take in that area they gave him Avastin and Camptosar and has had no reocurrance for nine months.Praise God! He still has some occasional swelling and some memory loss. Thank you for posting and sharing you stories. It really helps me and others to see and hear survivors stories,God bless you all!

Michael A

chicken2799 said:

kitkatkaz
I was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma Stage 3! They found the tumor on October 20th, 2009, and done my surgery October 29th, 2009!

The Sunday before my surgery I to went to church and rededicated my life to the Lord! Then two Sunday's from then (Sunday just past) after my surgery I gave my testimony at church. Feel free to go to facebook and request me Michelle Johnson and there is a link to You Tube to watch my testimony cause I want the world to know the power of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

My treatment plan I have typed out because it is so hard repeating it so much so I will post here for all to know because my journey begins I believe November 30th:

We received a call from UAB today before we left for my Radiologist appointment and they stated that they want me there Monday the 23rd at 11:00 AM. It is a one day appointment. They will review all of my medical records and slides to see if the treatment that the radiologist Dr. Russell, who I went to see today, and the chemotherapy Dr. Becker, that I will have to also see here in Mobile on Wednesday after I return from UAB, all agree on the best treatment possible. I go back to my radiologist Thursday for them to make a mask to mark where radiation goes. They want to do a combination of radiation that I will do 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and a Chemo Pill called Temodar I will take 7 days a week until the radiation is complete. I will see the Chemo Dr. maybe once a week to monitor blood levels throughout the therapy, but they feel this is the best way to aggressively treat and keep the Cancer from returning and spreading. The radiologist is confident that this is the BEST course of action. He is glad that it is Dr. Nabor’s in UAB that will be my second opinion as well as his consultant on treatment. Dr. Nabor’s actually did a procedure on my Radiologist, treatment for something neurological and the radiologist has not had problems since Dr. Nabor’s helped him! My Radiologist has worked with Dr. Nabor's for over 15 years. The radiation treatments they state takes 15 minutes, and 10 of that is just getting me on a flat bed. The actual treatment only lasts 5 minutes. It is not enclosed, the machine is just above my head. They will put a face mask on me that has everything marked so the radiation goes the same place each time, it also holds my head very still so that I can not move it at all to be sure the radiation is only in the same spot every time. The side effects basically are that I may lose hair at the different spots where the radiation enters the skull, maybe some nausea that they can give me meds for, and that there may not be any other side effects. The chemo pill should be very tolerable as well. The Dr is also letting me come off the steroid at a more rapid pace. Yea maybe I will get some sleep. The Radiologist also mentioned he knows Davis Pilot when he noticed where I work I miss you guys, and I am very positive after meeting with the Radiologist. When I come back from UAB probably Tuesday since it is a one day appointment there, I will have to meet with the Chemo Dr. Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving, and my Radiologist said they will give me the Thanksgiving holiday off, and then start treatment. So since Radiation is Monday thru Friday I feel the treatment will most likely start Monday after Thanksgiving which will be November 30th. So 6 weeks from then I should be on the road back to me He did say that about week 2 or 3 of the combination therapy I will most likely be real fatigued and tired, but I can live with 3 or 4 weeks of feeling yucky since I had headaches for a few months and was sick everytime I turned around. It will honestly be nothing different than what I was already feeling. I will let you guys know the exact date treatment will start when we know, and we can count down the 6 weeks!

You stay positive still kitkatkaz! I am glad to have read your story. This discussion thread had been a lifeline to me with all the insomnia from the Decadron.

Love,
Michelle

My Wife as well!
Hi from Australia Michelle.

My wife of 24 years (aged 49) was also recently diagnosed with a Anaplastic Astrocytoma Stage 3. Heathers first seizure was October 10 2009 from out of the blue. Two days later surgery removed 80% of the tumour and we are now beginning week 6 of radiation treatment coupled with daily Temodal chemotherapy medication. As we all do, I scour the internet for answers solutions, alternate treatment options and other life experiences.
The trouble I have is that Heather is a great person, fantastic mother, good christian, a wonderful wife and friend, so I am in awe as to why, if there is a God, did this happen to such a fine person?
I dont doubt belief has healing power, but my faith is questioned at this point.

Heathers treatment seems to follow the sames lines as all AA/3 patients around the world. Surgery, 6 weeks of radiation, chemo then wait? Luckily Heathers surgery was a 100% success, in that there were no side effects, and luckily she is taking all the treatment on the chin. Heather has lost a lot of hair from the radiation, is listless some days, and has a few mild reactions to the Dilantin and the Dexmothzone. Otherwise she has maintained working (three days per week school hours)and hopefully will enjoy a good family Christmas.

No one really has spoken of life expectancy, and we haven't asked, but it is always there hanging over our heads. We have two teenage children, a daughter at University and a son finishing high school. Do we set short term goals or long term? There is no one who can advise us of this, they all just say we will see when the radiation treatment is finished and a few weeks after that we ill do more MRI's.

Any answers/advice would be appreciated.

Michael
Brisbane
Australia.

PBJ Austin

Michael A said:

My Wife as well!
Hi from Australia Michelle.

My wife of 24 years (aged 49) was also recently diagnosed with a Anaplastic Astrocytoma Stage 3. Heathers first seizure was October 10 2009 from out of the blue. Two days later surgery removed 80% of the tumour and we are now beginning week 6 of radiation treatment coupled with daily Temodal chemotherapy medication. As we all do, I scour the internet for answers solutions, alternate treatment options and other life experiences.
The trouble I have is that Heather is a great person, fantastic mother, good christian, a wonderful wife and friend, so I am in awe as to why, if there is a God, did this happen to such a fine person?
I dont doubt belief has healing power, but my faith is questioned at this point.

Heathers treatment seems to follow the sames lines as all AA/3 patients around the world. Surgery, 6 weeks of radiation, chemo then wait? Luckily Heathers surgery was a 100% success, in that there were no side effects, and luckily she is taking all the treatment on the chin. Heather has lost a lot of hair from the radiation, is listless some days, and has a few mild reactions to the Dilantin and the Dexmothzone. Otherwise she has maintained working (three days per week school hours)and hopefully will enjoy a good family Christmas.

No one really has spoken of life expectancy, and we haven't asked, but it is always there hanging over our heads. We have two teenage children, a daughter at University and a son finishing high school. Do we set short term goals or long term? There is no one who can advise us of this, they all just say we will see when the radiation treatment is finished and a few weeks after that we ill do more MRI's.

Any answers/advice would be appreciated.

Michael
Brisbane
Australia.

Hello Michael and welcome to our community
When my kid sister was diagnosed with AA3 at age 25 I had a lot of the same questions. Why her, why so young? I thought I was being punished because I knew it couldn't be because of anything she did wrong. In time I realized that cancer doesn't know or care what kind of person you are. Cancer strikes the old, the young, the good people, the bad people, etc. It is my belief that what's happening to your wife and my sister are not an act of God but an act of nature. I know how hard it is to accept and I wish I had better advice other than to say you will get used to the idea. You will never like it and you will always wish it would go away. But at some point the shock will wear thin and it becomes just a tiny bit easier to accept.

As far as life expectancy goes, everyone is different and nobody can know how much time anyone has, whether we are a cancer patient or not. New advances are made in cancer research all the time. Who is to say they will not find a cure or a much better treatment for AA3 in the next several years?

I think you should be very wary of life expectancy stats you read on the internet. Much of that info is out of date. Furthermore those are only stats and your wife is an individual person, meaning the stats might not apply to her and she might outlive everyone. My sister is convinced the stats mean nothing and she will be with us much longer than the doctors have predicted.

My sister is making some progress in her treatment. She went through radiation and she's now taking Temador. On her last MRI they discovered 5% shrinkage. I know this doesn't sound like much but it's headed in the right direction so we are celebrating. Cancer has taught us to celebrate small victories and that is what we are doing.

I wish your family the very best in this fight. I hope you will stay in touch and keep us posted on your wife's progress.

Michael A

PBJ Austin said:

Hello Michael and welcome to our community
When my kid sister was diagnosed with AA3 at age 25 I had a lot of the same questions. Why her, why so young? I thought I was being punished because I knew it couldn't be because of anything she did wrong. In time I realized that cancer doesn't know or care what kind of person you are. Cancer strikes the old, the young, the good people, the bad people, etc. It is my belief that what's happening to your wife and my sister are not an act of God but an act of nature. I know how hard it is to accept and I wish I had better advice other than to say you will get used to the idea. You will never like it and you will always wish it would go away. But at some point the shock will wear thin and it becomes just a tiny bit easier to accept.

As far as life expectancy goes, everyone is different and nobody can know how much time anyone has, whether we are a cancer patient or not. New advances are made in cancer research all the time. Who is to say they will not find a cure or a much better treatment for AA3 in the next several years?

I think you should be very wary of life expectancy stats you read on the internet. Much of that info is out of date. Furthermore those are only stats and your wife is an individual person, meaning the stats might not apply to her and she might outlive everyone. My sister is convinced the stats mean nothing and she will be with us much longer than the doctors have predicted.

My sister is making some progress in her treatment. She went through radiation and she's now taking Temador. On her last MRI they discovered 5% shrinkage. I know this doesn't sound like much but it's headed in the right direction so we are celebrating. Cancer has taught us to celebrate small victories and that is what we are doing.

I wish your family the very best in this fight. I hope you will stay in touch and keep us posted on your wife's progress.

Thanks PJB
Thanks for your reply and kind words.

Today, Tuesday marks day 2 of week 6, only four more radiation treatments, and four more chemo doses. We get a break (we I mean Heather)until January 4th when the chemo dose triples for five days into a cycle of five days on 15 days off.

A break will be nice. I work each day till mid afternoon, go home, pick up my wife, take her to the radiation Clinic for a treatment, then home to get dinner ready. I really didn't think I could do it, but I made a promise that I would be there for every treatment.

Some guys aren't that lucky. The radiation clinic we go to treats over 300 people a day. More than half these people travel in from far away, alone and unaccompanied.

I feel proud that I can hold Heathers hand and walk through the door to each and every treatment.

Staying positive is hard, very hard. In the back of my mind I have these recurring thoughts. What if........


It is very encouraging to read the success stories on this site and to hear from positive people. Cancer touches more people than we know. Everyone I know, knows someone who has been affected in one way or another by this dreadful disease.

I still cant work out why. You live a good life, try to be kind to others and then get dealt this type of hand.......a hand you have almost no control over.

Still....it's Christmas. The decorations are up, the trees are trimmed, hope is in the air and Santa is coming.

Someone asked me what I want for Chistmas? I said not much....I just want my wife back, safe sound and healthy.

Peace happiness and kindess to all........pass it forward.

sue Siwek

Michael A said:

Thanks PJB
Thanks for your reply and kind words.

Today, Tuesday marks day 2 of week 6, only four more radiation treatments, and four more chemo doses. We get a break (we I mean Heather)until January 4th when the chemo dose triples for five days into a cycle of five days on 15 days off.

A break will be nice. I work each day till mid afternoon, go home, pick up my wife, take her to the radiation Clinic for a treatment, then home to get dinner ready. I really didn't think I could do it, but I made a promise that I would be there for every treatment.

Some guys aren't that lucky. The radiation clinic we go to treats over 300 people a day. More than half these people travel in from far away, alone and unaccompanied.

I feel proud that I can hold Heathers hand and walk through the door to each and every treatment.

Staying positive is hard, very hard. In the back of my mind I have these recurring thoughts. What if........


It is very encouraging to read the success stories on this site and to hear from positive people. Cancer touches more people than we know. Everyone I know, knows someone who has been affected in one way or another by this dreadful disease.

I still cant work out why. You live a good life, try to be kind to others and then get dealt this type of hand.......a hand you have almost no control over.

Still....it's Christmas. The decorations are up, the trees are trimmed, hope is in the air and Santa is coming.

Someone asked me what I want for Chistmas? I said not much....I just want my wife back, safe sound and healthy.

Peace happiness and kindess to all........pass it forward.

my husband was diagnosed
my husband was diagnosed with a grade 3 astrocytoma in oct. 2000. he has survived 10yrs. i am not a big believer but my husband is. think about the only miracle in my opinion, the birth of a child! 10 toes, 10 fingers so beautiful. how can thousands of children be created by humans be totally perfect? thay can not be. i hate to compare us to a car but, occasionally there is a lemon. sometimes they can be fixed sometimes not. i hope your christmas wish comes true.

tommybear

sue Siwek said:

my husband was diagnosed
my husband was diagnosed with a grade 3 astrocytoma in oct. 2000. he has survived 10yrs. i am not a big believer but my husband is. think about the only miracle in my opinion, the birth of a child! 10 toes, 10 fingers so beautiful. how can thousands of children be created by humans be totally perfect? thay can not be. i hate to compare us to a car but, occasionally there is a lemon. sometimes they can be fixed sometimes not. i hope your christmas wish comes true.

Many, many miracles....
can be found throughout life, even in our everyday lives, if only we take the time to notice. I also believe that we are exactly who we are supposed to be and where we are supposed to be, although it easy for us to judge ourselves and others, and easy for us to pity ourselves.

I am not always able to live peacefully, and not always aware of these things - that everything is exactly how it is supposed to be - because, no I am not perfect, but I am not a lemon, either.

papainting

chicken2799 said:

kitkatkaz
I was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma Stage 3! They found the tumor on October 20th, 2009, and done my surgery October 29th, 2009!

The Sunday before my surgery I to went to church and rededicated my life to the Lord! Then two Sunday's from then (Sunday just past) after my surgery I gave my testimony at church. Feel free to go to facebook and request me Michelle Johnson and there is a link to You Tube to watch my testimony cause I want the world to know the power of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

My treatment plan I have typed out because it is so hard repeating it so much so I will post here for all to know because my journey begins I believe November 30th:

We received a call from UAB today before we left for my Radiologist appointment and they stated that they want me there Monday the 23rd at 11:00 AM. It is a one day appointment. They will review all of my medical records and slides to see if the treatment that the radiologist Dr. Russell, who I went to see today, and the chemotherapy Dr. Becker, that I will have to also see here in Mobile on Wednesday after I return from UAB, all agree on the best treatment possible. I go back to my radiologist Thursday for them to make a mask to mark where radiation goes. They want to do a combination of radiation that I will do 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and a Chemo Pill called Temodar I will take 7 days a week until the radiation is complete. I will see the Chemo Dr. maybe once a week to monitor blood levels throughout the therapy, but they feel this is the best way to aggressively treat and keep the Cancer from returning and spreading. The radiologist is confident that this is the BEST course of action. He is glad that it is Dr. Nabor’s in UAB that will be my second opinion as well as his consultant on treatment. Dr. Nabor’s actually did a procedure on my Radiologist, treatment for something neurological and the radiologist has not had problems since Dr. Nabor’s helped him! My Radiologist has worked with Dr. Nabor's for over 15 years. The radiation treatments they state takes 15 minutes, and 10 of that is just getting me on a flat bed. The actual treatment only lasts 5 minutes. It is not enclosed, the machine is just above my head. They will put a face mask on me that has everything marked so the radiation goes the same place each time, it also holds my head very still so that I can not move it at all to be sure the radiation is only in the same spot every time. The side effects basically are that I may lose hair at the different spots where the radiation enters the skull, maybe some nausea that they can give me meds for, and that there may not be any other side effects. The chemo pill should be very tolerable as well. The Dr is also letting me come off the steroid at a more rapid pace. Yea maybe I will get some sleep. The Radiologist also mentioned he knows Davis Pilot when he noticed where I work I miss you guys, and I am very positive after meeting with the Radiologist. When I come back from UAB probably Tuesday since it is a one day appointment there, I will have to meet with the Chemo Dr. Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving, and my Radiologist said they will give me the Thanksgiving holiday off, and then start treatment. So since Radiation is Monday thru Friday I feel the treatment will most likely start Monday after Thanksgiving which will be November 30th. So 6 weeks from then I should be on the road back to me He did say that about week 2 or 3 of the combination therapy I will most likely be real fatigued and tired, but I can live with 3 or 4 weeks of feeling yucky since I had headaches for a few months and was sick everytime I turned around. It will honestly be nothing different than what I was already feeling. I will let you guys know the exact date treatment will start when we know, and we can count down the 6 weeks!

You stay positive still kitkatkaz! I am glad to have read your story. This discussion thread had been a lifeline to me with all the insomnia from the Decadron.

Love,
Michelle

Supplements for rad/chemo
Michelle, My husband was diagnosed with Astrocytoma Grade II. His surgery was Sept 10, 2009, at Thomas Jefferson. We have been working with a nutritionist from Utah, Jeanne Wallace. You can look her up on the internet. He only had radiation, but made it thru with minimal side effects we believe largely due to the supplements Jeanne had him taking. Also she recommended that he exercise 20 - 30 min prior to his treatment to have the blood flow help the radiation treatments. He had 27 treatments the last day was the day before Thanksgiving. On Dec 3 we took a much needed vacation to Disney! He did great. His biggest problem was some nausea caused by the radiation. Although you want to stay on a healthy diet, at this time it is important that you do not get ill on healthy food because you will not ever want to eat it again. This is called the "scape goat" effect. He took boswellia and curcumin, shark liver oil, and fish oil and did not need any steroids. I highly recommend to anyone going thru this to get a good nutritionist. Jeanne has specialized in nutrition for brain tumors which is why we chose her. Since we live in PA and she is in Utah our consults have been via phone and e-mail base on specific blood tests.

May God be with you and your family at this time. It is a total emotional rollar coaster. Don't be afraid to research things on your own. I haven't stopped since we found out Bob had a tumor on Aug 16, 2009. I read in a book to use the 333 rule. Get three opinions, make sure your medical staff has at least three years experience, and make sure the medical equipment is three years old or newer.

javigm123

K.Rose said:

Information? Please?
Hello,
I'm new to this message board so I'm not quite sure about it all. I was curious (maybe you've said and I missed it) where is your husband's tumor located in the brain? I am 23 years old just completed my first chemo/radiation/chemo treatments and I haven't found many places til this that talk about brain tumors. Mine is a grade III astrocytoma located in my Thalamus pretty much exactly in the middle of my brain making it inoperable. I myself have numbness on my right side. It was found when I was 20 and now I'm 23, any infomation you could suggest would be greatly appreciated! Thank You!!

i also have a thalamic tumor
would be great to exchange experiences, you can reach me at javigm123@gmail.com

jeffballew

Need to hear some positive words
I thought I had this beat. I had a grade II astrocytoma removed in June of 06 and a second surgery in March 07 plus radiation. I just learned today that I have a regrowth and need another surgery. we do not know if it has gone up in grade. What's your story?

Gerard6

jeffballew said:

Need to hear some positive words
I thought I had this beat. I had a grade II astrocytoma removed in June of 06 and a second surgery in March 07 plus radiation. I just learned today that I have a regrowth and need another surgery. we do not know if it has gone up in grade. What's your story?

Hallo Jeff
Dear Jeff you sound flustered and quite understandably so. Get a second opinion mate thats a MUST. Then take it from there. I had a Gr 3 (WHO) list NINE years ago now and they told me Id be lucky to last 12 months. Still here 9 years later. NO ONE KNOWS they only guess these things in relation survivol times. They dont really know. So be POSITIVE and strong. If you would like to email me please go ahead. Im only to happy to support you. OK. Good luck and Im praying for you, GER/

AngelaMinas

Hospitals, doctors please...
Hello Quilmes, Hello Everyone,

I am from Asia. My fiance has been diagnosed of Grade 3 Astrocytoma last January 2009. He underwent operation February this year to remove the tumor. However, it was unsuccessful. It was the doctor's fault...

We are planning to go to the US (or to wherever country) to have his medication. Can you suggest a good hospital or doctor? Please recommend...

I would appreciate your replies....

I have been reading posts in this website, and finally decided to be a member. I see hope by reading your posts. I hope you could help us...by suggesting, or by prayers...

Thank you,

Angela

AngelaMinas

chicken2799 said:

kitkatkaz
I was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma Stage 3! They found the tumor on October 20th, 2009, and done my surgery October 29th, 2009!

The Sunday before my surgery I to went to church and rededicated my life to the Lord! Then two Sunday's from then (Sunday just past) after my surgery I gave my testimony at church. Feel free to go to facebook and request me Michelle Johnson and there is a link to You Tube to watch my testimony cause I want the world to know the power of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

My treatment plan I have typed out because it is so hard repeating it so much so I will post here for all to know because my journey begins I believe November 30th:

We received a call from UAB today before we left for my Radiologist appointment and they stated that they want me there Monday the 23rd at 11:00 AM. It is a one day appointment. They will review all of my medical records and slides to see if the treatment that the radiologist Dr. Russell, who I went to see today, and the chemotherapy Dr. Becker, that I will have to also see here in Mobile on Wednesday after I return from UAB, all agree on the best treatment possible. I go back to my radiologist Thursday for them to make a mask to mark where radiation goes. They want to do a combination of radiation that I will do 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and a Chemo Pill called Temodar I will take 7 days a week until the radiation is complete. I will see the Chemo Dr. maybe once a week to monitor blood levels throughout the therapy, but they feel this is the best way to aggressively treat and keep the Cancer from returning and spreading. The radiologist is confident that this is the BEST course of action. He is glad that it is Dr. Nabor’s in UAB that will be my second opinion as well as his consultant on treatment. Dr. Nabor’s actually did a procedure on my Radiologist, treatment for something neurological and the radiologist has not had problems since Dr. Nabor’s helped him! My Radiologist has worked with Dr. Nabor's for over 15 years. The radiation treatments they state takes 15 minutes, and 10 of that is just getting me on a flat bed. The actual treatment only lasts 5 minutes. It is not enclosed, the machine is just above my head. They will put a face mask on me that has everything marked so the radiation goes the same place each time, it also holds my head very still so that I can not move it at all to be sure the radiation is only in the same spot every time. The side effects basically are that I may lose hair at the different spots where the radiation enters the skull, maybe some nausea that they can give me meds for, and that there may not be any other side effects. The chemo pill should be very tolerable as well. The Dr is also letting me come off the steroid at a more rapid pace. Yea maybe I will get some sleep. The Radiologist also mentioned he knows Davis Pilot when he noticed where I work I miss you guys, and I am very positive after meeting with the Radiologist. When I come back from UAB probably Tuesday since it is a one day appointment there, I will have to meet with the Chemo Dr. Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving, and my Radiologist said they will give me the Thanksgiving holiday off, and then start treatment. So since Radiation is Monday thru Friday I feel the treatment will most likely start Monday after Thanksgiving which will be November 30th. So 6 weeks from then I should be on the road back to me He did say that about week 2 or 3 of the combination therapy I will most likely be real fatigued and tired, but I can live with 3 or 4 weeks of feeling yucky since I had headaches for a few months and was sick everytime I turned around. It will honestly be nothing different than what I was already feeling. I will let you guys know the exact date treatment will start when we know, and we can count down the 6 weeks!

You stay positive still kitkatkaz! I am glad to have read your story. This discussion thread had been a lifeline to me with all the insomnia from the Decadron.

Love,
Michelle

Michelle
Hi Michelle,

Would you be kind to inform me of the hospital and doctor taking care of you?

Thank you...

Angela

megansmom

AngelaMinas said:

Hospitals, doctors please...
Hello Quilmes, Hello Everyone,

I am from Asia. My fiance has been diagnosed of Grade 3 Astrocytoma last January 2009. He underwent operation February this year to remove the tumor. However, it was unsuccessful. It was the doctor's fault...

We are planning to go to the US (or to wherever country) to have his medication. Can you suggest a good hospital or doctor? Please recommend...

I would appreciate your replies....

I have been reading posts in this website, and finally decided to be a member. I see hope by reading your posts. I hope you could help us...by suggesting, or by prayers...

Thank you,

Angela

Doctor, hospital
University of Iowa, Dr Greenlee he did the surgery on our daugthers anaplastic astrocytoma, and did a fine job 99% or the original tumor removed. Also Duke university is doint significant amount of research on brain tumors.

ChristyM

megansmom said:

Doctor, hospital
University of Iowa, Dr Greenlee he did the surgery on our daugthers anaplastic astrocytoma, and did a fine job 99% or the original tumor removed. Also Duke university is doint significant amount of research on brain tumors.

2 years clear!
I just had my 2 year MRI today, all clear, no sign of reoccurence!

cbradley

My Daughter
Hi Jose,
I would like to know what kind of treatment you had and what kind of treatment you are still having? How long has it been since your diagnosis and how are you feeling today? I'm looking for anything to help save my daughters life. She is 19 and this is her second brain tumor. She had a medulloblastoma at 8 and now a grade 4 astrocytoma. Anything would help.
Carol

NCAA XC

AngelaMinas said:

Hospitals, doctors please...
Hello Quilmes, Hello Everyone,

I am from Asia. My fiance has been diagnosed of Grade 3 Astrocytoma last January 2009. He underwent operation February this year to remove the tumor. However, it was unsuccessful. It was the doctor's fault...

We are planning to go to the US (or to wherever country) to have his medication. Can you suggest a good hospital or doctor? Please recommend...

I would appreciate your replies....

I have been reading posts in this website, and finally decided to be a member. I see hope by reading your posts. I hope you could help us...by suggesting, or by prayers...

Thank you,

Angela

MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
Heres a vote for them,...They were a dream come true for me as my wife has done greatly through their care..

My vote...there are many wonderful places and this is the wonderful place we found...thank goodness!

cbradley

Gerard6 said:

Hallo Jeff
Dear Jeff you sound flustered and quite understandably so. Get a second opinion mate thats a MUST. Then take it from there. I had a Gr 3 (WHO) list NINE years ago now and they told me Id be lucky to last 12 months. Still here 9 years later. NO ONE KNOWS they only guess these things in relation survivol times. They dont really know. So be POSITIVE and strong. If you would like to email me please go ahead. Im only to happy to support you. OK. Good luck and Im praying for you, GER/

Your story/my daughter
Hi Gerard,
Nine years is fantastic. Iwould like to know more about your situation and treatment. What are your taking? I'm looking for anything to san=ve my 19 year old daughter's life. Grade 4 Astrocytoma.

Carol

cbradley

megansmom said:

Doctor, hospital
University of Iowa, Dr Greenlee he did the surgery on our daugthers anaplastic astrocytoma, and did a fine job 99% or the original tumor removed. Also Duke university is doint significant amount of research on brain tumors.

Megan
Hi Megan's Mom,

I'm Kathryn's Mom who was recently diagnosed with a grade 4 astrocytoma. If you have any encouraging words or know of any new treatments please send them to me. We are looking to save our daughter.

Carol

ampalos

AngelaMinas said:

Hospitals, doctors please...
Hello Quilmes, Hello Everyone,

I am from Asia. My fiance has been diagnosed of Grade 3 Astrocytoma last January 2009. He underwent operation February this year to remove the tumor. However, it was unsuccessful. It was the doctor's fault...

We are planning to go to the US (or to wherever country) to have his medication. Can you suggest a good hospital or doctor? Please recommend...

I would appreciate your replies....

I have been reading posts in this website, and finally decided to be a member. I see hope by reading your posts. I hope you could help us...by suggesting, or by prayers...

Thank you,

Angela

I am getting treated at the
I am getting treated at the UCLA with Dr. Cloughesy. He is a well-known researcher and he works with a team that includes surgeons, radiologists, and other doctors. You can reach UCLA Neurooncology at (310) 825-5321. UCLA is known for being a very good hospital. However, I hear that UC San Francisco has even more succcess with brain tumors.

katelynn

cbradley said:

My Daughter
Hi Jose,
I would like to know what kind of treatment you had and what kind of treatment you are still having? How long has it been since your diagnosis and how are you feeling today? I'm looking for anything to help save my daughters life. She is 19 and this is her second brain tumor. She had a medulloblastoma at 8 and now a grade 4 astrocytoma. Anything would help.
Carol

survived for 10 years
Hi! I had a grade three astro ten years ago. Alive and fine as can be. I'm forty and people think I'm thirty. I am writing a book about my dating escapades since moving to NYC 18 months ago. This is the first post I've ever written. I don't define myself as a brain cancer survivor. I just hang out in life and have a good time. I did leave my accounting job and it is great to have ssdi and the brain cancer thing is how I get the money to live my dream, which i will do!!!! and I have a lot of allergies, etc. But I would say get the best treatment possible and ignore the situation after that. My family mostly ignored the fact that I was sick, which I resented, until a friend who has mental illness said that she noticed that the kids whose parents visited them in the psych wards never got better. I also had another astro survivor telling me I would definitely live and that turned out to be true. I also have a small brain aneurysm and hell if I understand that but it's supposed to be not that dangerous and fairly simple to fix if it ever grows. Just go by the assumption she'll survive and live a long, very normal, maybe even exciting life! That's what I'd tell anyone. Treatment is not fun. I had a pretty yucky experience but that made me a philosopher so I'm sure the same will be true for your daughter! Ha!