Grade 3 Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma Diagnosed.

rohit_6080
rohit_6080 Member Posts: 2
in Brain Cancer #1
Hi,

My father is 50 yrs old & has been diagnosed a non malignant Grade 3 Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma in left brain. He got operated on 30th Nov. & is recovering well at the moment.Visible Tumor has been removed completely & he has been advised to undergo Radio & chemo therapy.Dr. says regardless of the fact that it has been removed completely & since it is a grade 3 it will come back again but therapies will delay the arrival. Can anyone enlighten me on how much time does it take to come back under normal circumstances & for how long can it be delayed by radio therapy.

Regards,
Rohit

Comments

  • Chris_W
    Chris_W Member Posts: 28
    #2
    Early days
    Hi Rohit

    As my surgeon said to me when I asked these questions "it's all down to genetics". The information you were given is quite correct, chemo is used to delay re-growth and in a really good scenario, to shrink what is remaining. Everyone is different, some don't respond at all to chemo, some respond very well. He'll get regular MRI's to check on this.

    A grade III doesn't necessarily mean it'll come back, it could just do nothing. Attitude, activity and good diet have a lot to do with it (in my belief).

    If he had a full resection than I consider him a very lucky man. There aren't many who can say they had 100% removed (I had 80% removed, for example). So there is a very strong possibility that there won't be any regrowth at all. The chemo is used to kill any stray cells. I consider radiation as a last resort, because it's seen as a one-off treatment and can do damage. But if it's really called for, then there's no option. If I was your father and had a 100% resection, I certainly would NOT do radiation.

    If you are being told it will definitely re-grow, then you are being mis-informed, unless there is something you haven't been told (for example if it's a secondary tumour, then yes, the chance of re-growth is high).

    All my best & positive wishes for his speedy recovery in rehab

    Chris
  • I_Promise
    I_Promise Member Posts: 218 Member
    #3
    Chris_W said:

    Early days
    Hi Rohit

    As my surgeon said to me when I asked these questions "it's all down to genetics". The information you were given is quite correct, chemo is used to delay re-growth and in a really good scenario, to shrink what is remaining. Everyone is different, some don't respond at all to chemo, some respond very well. He'll get regular MRI's to check on this.

    A grade III doesn't necessarily mean it'll come back, it could just do nothing. Attitude, activity and good diet have a lot to do with it (in my belief).

    If he had a full resection than I consider him a very lucky man. There aren't many who can say they had 100% removed (I had 80% removed, for example). So there is a very strong possibility that there won't be any regrowth at all. The chemo is used to kill any stray cells. I consider radiation as a last resort, because it's seen as a one-off treatment and can do damage. But if it's really called for, then there's no option. If I was your father and had a 100% resection, I certainly would NOT do radiation.

    If you are being told it will definitely re-grow, then you are being mis-informed, unless there is something you haven't been told (for example if it's a secondary tumour, then yes, the chance of re-growth is high).

    All my best & positive wishes for his speedy recovery in rehab

    Chris

    Hi Rohit
    No one ever gets a 100% ressection because of the nature of the gliomas. There is no margins to this type of tumor. There are always be tentacules at the cellular level. And if he was diagnosed with a grade 3, then it means that it is malignant.

    Radiation will delay regrowth, sometimes for many years. They usually focus the beam into the ressection cavity to kill the remnant cells left behind.

    That said, I agree that attitude, diet, exercise is crucial. Some people survive this.
    I am so sorry about the diagnosis.

    J.
  • NRXpress34
    NRXpress34 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    I_Promise said:

    Hi Rohit
    No one ever gets a 100% ressection because of the nature of the gliomas. There is no margins to this type of tumor. There are always be tentacules at the cellular level. And if he was diagnosed with a grade 3, then it means that it is malignant.

    Radiation will delay regrowth, sometimes for many years. They usually focus the beam into the ressection cavity to kill the remnant cells left behind.

    That said, I agree that attitude, diet, exercise is crucial. Some people survive this.
    I am so sorry about the diagnosis.

    J.

    Just Help Me
    I don't know where to begin. My husband is 37 was diagnosed with a grade 3 tumor on the left frontal side. Following a seizure in his sleep on Nov 3oth, an MRI revealed the tumor; no prior symptoms. We had surgery to remove it on Dec 5, 2011. The surgeon said the tumor was mostly on the surface and believed he got all of it. The pathology report came back this week and it was diagnosed as a grade 3. We see the neuro oncologist next week for to discuss a treatment plan. Everything we're hearing so far is scary. My whole life is my family and it will not work without him. We have a beautiful 4 year old daughter and I can't imagine him not being here to watch her grow up. I don't know what to do or who to turn to. We are a military family and only recently moved to where we re living. We don't have alot of friends, yet and don't live close to our families. The military is supportive but we really only have each other. If anyone can offer anything to tell me what I should be doing, please do. Christmas eve is tomorrow and I want my daughter to be happy. I don't want her to see me sad. But I can't stop wondering how many more Christmases we're going to have as a family.
  • I_Promise
    I_Promise Member Posts: 218 Member
    #5
    NRXpress34 said:

    Just Help Me
    I don't know where to begin. My husband is 37 was diagnosed with a grade 3 tumor on the left frontal side. Following a seizure in his sleep on Nov 3oth, an MRI revealed the tumor; no prior symptoms. We had surgery to remove it on Dec 5, 2011. The surgeon said the tumor was mostly on the surface and believed he got all of it. The pathology report came back this week and it was diagnosed as a grade 3. We see the neuro oncologist next week for to discuss a treatment plan. Everything we're hearing so far is scary. My whole life is my family and it will not work without him. We have a beautiful 4 year old daughter and I can't imagine him not being here to watch her grow up. I don't know what to do or who to turn to. We are a military family and only recently moved to where we re living. We don't have alot of friends, yet and don't live close to our families. The military is supportive but we really only have each other. If anyone can offer anything to tell me what I should be doing, please do. Christmas eve is tomorrow and I want my daughter to be happy. I don't want her to see me sad. But I can't stop wondering how many more Christmases we're going to have as a family.

    When Bad things happen to good people
    Dear NRXpress34,

    I am so sorry. Take a deep breath and remember one day at a time. Here are few things I tell myself to be positive:

    1) Not all tumors come back (the majority but not 100%)
    2) Some people survive -even a grade 4-
    3) advances in science are happening every day (especially in genetics)

    Cry if you must (and I have a lot) but in the end make sure you are the rock of the one with the diagnosis. Love your husband and show him every day.

    J.
  • connsteele
    connsteele Member Posts: 232
    #6
    I_Promise said:

    When Bad things happen to good people
    Dear NRXpress34,

    I am so sorry. Take a deep breath and remember one day at a time. Here are few things I tell myself to be positive:

    1) Not all tumors come back (the majority but not 100%)
    2) Some people survive -even a grade 4-
    3) advances in science are happening every day (especially in genetics)

    Cry if you must (and I have a lot) but in the end make sure you are the rock of the one with the diagnosis. Love your husband and show him every day.

    J.

    things will return to a "new normal"
    I ditto what I Promise said. But will add one more thing that we've experienced. My husband and I are the primary caretakers for our son (age 34, dx 4-13-11, AA3, inoperable.) At first, the days seemed chaotic, overwheliming, terrifying, and we wondered, how are we going to get through this? But believe it or not, things do settle into a "new normal". Yes, that new normal does include many sleepless nights and crying jags. But somehow, you get through it and you find that there are many good times too.
    I highly encourage you to find a support group to get involved in. You won't feel so alone. This site has been really helpful for us in that regard.

    There will be good days and bad days. And don't pay that much attention to the stats. You will read on this site stories of those who have beat the odds. There's nothing to say that you can't be one of those too.
  • chicken2799
    chicken2799 Member Posts: 105
    #7
    NRXpress34 said:

    Just Help Me
    I don't know where to begin. My husband is 37 was diagnosed with a grade 3 tumor on the left frontal side. Following a seizure in his sleep on Nov 3oth, an MRI revealed the tumor; no prior symptoms. We had surgery to remove it on Dec 5, 2011. The surgeon said the tumor was mostly on the surface and believed he got all of it. The pathology report came back this week and it was diagnosed as a grade 3. We see the neuro oncologist next week for to discuss a treatment plan. Everything we're hearing so far is scary. My whole life is my family and it will not work without him. We have a beautiful 4 year old daughter and I can't imagine him not being here to watch her grow up. I don't know what to do or who to turn to. We are a military family and only recently moved to where we re living. We don't have alot of friends, yet and don't live close to our families. The military is supportive but we really only have each other. If anyone can offer anything to tell me what I should be doing, please do. Christmas eve is tomorrow and I want my daughter to be happy. I don't want her to see me sad. But I can't stop wondering how many more Christmases we're going to have as a family.

    NRXpress34
    I am so sorry to hear your news regarding your husband especially that close to the holidays! I too have AA3 and it was located on the left frontal lobe resting right on the surface. My neurosurgeon felt confident he got the entire tumor (size of an egg) as well as both of the cysts on each side of it. I was diagnosed on 10/20/09, had my surgery on 10/29/09, did 6 weeks of radiation along with a low dose of Temodar, and once the radiation was over they almost tripled the amount of Temodar and I did the 5/28 cycle for a year. All of my MRI’s have been clean since then by the Grace of God. I agree with what I Promise and everyone else says, you have to also stay strong for your husband. My husband and my father were my rocks although they broke down and cried multiple times, that is to be expected. I also have a 4 year old daughter, and she was only 2 when I was diagnosed! I think everyday about missing out on her wedding and her having me some grandkids, so I keep my faith that I will beat this! Medicine has come along way, and faith is an even stronger medicine. I know you are new to this, if you have any questions please feel free to ask there are many people on here that would be glad to help you!
  • BenLenBo
    BenLenBo Member Posts: 145 Member
    #8
    NRXpress34 said:

    Just Help Me
    I don't know where to begin. My husband is 37 was diagnosed with a grade 3 tumor on the left frontal side. Following a seizure in his sleep on Nov 3oth, an MRI revealed the tumor; no prior symptoms. We had surgery to remove it on Dec 5, 2011. The surgeon said the tumor was mostly on the surface and believed he got all of it. The pathology report came back this week and it was diagnosed as a grade 3. We see the neuro oncologist next week for to discuss a treatment plan. Everything we're hearing so far is scary. My whole life is my family and it will not work without him. We have a beautiful 4 year old daughter and I can't imagine him not being here to watch her grow up. I don't know what to do or who to turn to. We are a military family and only recently moved to where we re living. We don't have alot of friends, yet and don't live close to our families. The military is supportive but we really only have each other. If anyone can offer anything to tell me what I should be doing, please do. Christmas eve is tomorrow and I want my daughter to be happy. I don't want her to see me sad. But I can't stop wondering how many more Christmases we're going to have as a family.

    Diagnosed 9/25/2011
    I have just finished 30 radiation/chemo (temodar) treatments,only side effect was hair loss. I now sport a mohawk, and have started the 5day/28 treatment plan. My tumor was a Grade III Oli- left frontal lobe. Neurosurgeon removed 99% of the tumor, only side effect was 6 weeks after surgery, a shunt was placed to control CFS fluid. First MRI after removal showed no tumor present- but this OLI has little tentacles that like to move in the opposite direction, so radiation/chemo was done to kill any remaining cells. My facility is Roger Maris Cancer Center, Fargo, ND. This facility works with Mayo and John Hopkins, where my biopsy. I have the 1p/19q deletion. You need to keep a positive attitude, live each day to the fullest, and search for a medical facility you are comfortable and confident with. RMCC has seen Grade III OLI's, 18 PLUS YEARS OUT!
  • fightingtokeephimstrong
    fightingtokeephimstrong Member Posts: 1
    #9
    my husband was diagnosed in

    my husband was diagnosed in may 2013 with a stage 3 left frontal lobe anaplastic oligoastrocytoma he had no prior symptoms just a headache they removed most of the tumor and we are now doing 33 treatments of Proton Radiation along side of Temodar Chemo treatments which after radiation is complete he will do the chemo 5 days for 6-8 months he is 30 years old and i was kind of wondering if anyone has any advice besides keep trying to keep him strong and to keep him fighting this battle he is unaware of the actual disease and just knows he has all these medicines and treatments to go through because after the surgery he lost most of his speech,memory and right arm function. 

  • holly rachelle
    holly rachelle Member Posts: 3
    #10
    fightingtokeephimstrong said:

    my husband was diagnosed in

    my husband was diagnosed in may 2013 with a stage 3 left frontal lobe anaplastic oligoastrocytoma he had no prior symptoms just a headache they removed most of the tumor and we are now doing 33 treatments of Proton Radiation along side of Temodar Chemo treatments which after radiation is complete he will do the chemo 5 days for 6-8 months he is 30 years old and i was kind of wondering if anyone has any advice besides keep trying to keep him strong and to keep him fighting this battle he is unaware of the actual disease and just knows he has all these medicines and treatments to go through because after the surgery he lost most of his speech,memory and right arm function. 

    I was diagnosed in January

    I was diagnosed in January with an Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma grade 2. The tumor has taken over my whole right temporal lobe. Because of the location they were only able to remove what was against my skull(due to all the nevers it has taken over). Before surgery I was having anywhere from 8-30 "min-seziures" a day on my left side, it started to take over my life where i couldnt do the things i knew i was capable of doing. After 4 different anti-convulsants finally Phenytoin Sodium has reduced them. I did 26 days(monday-friday) of radiation and chemo Temodar and im about to start taking Temodar for 5 days and 3 week break for 8 months. My Neurosurgen said that the tumore wont be deleted completely but reduced in size. It will come back between 1 to 10 years and at a higher grade and more aggressive. Being 23 and a single mother of a 2 1/2 yr old lil boy on top of it all has been challenging to say the least! But I look at it as a blessing in disguise.

  • I_Promise
    I_Promise Member Posts: 218 Member
    #11
    Hi Holly,

    I am so sorry this happened to you. It doesn't make any sense. It is horrible. But remember to take it one day at a time. Fight more your beautiful baby. Surround yourself with people that love you. Enjoy life to the fullest. Right now you might still be in shock about what happened to you. Eventually things will settle in a new normal.

    J.

  • Englishgardenis
    Englishgardenis Member Posts: 1
    #12
    I was diagnosed with Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma grade 3 in 2010

    I was diagnosed with Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma grade 3 in March 2010. I was 30 at that time. I had brain surgery followed by Chemo(Temodar) and Radiation. Dr. told me that I have about 3 years. I was very very sad of course. I have been eating healthy diet ever since the diagnose. I have MRI check, from every 3 months to every six months, and now every 9 months. Now, 8 years later, I am doing pretty good. I think I am very lucky. I read online that some ppl say they couldn't stay focus or have some other issues which I don't really have. Although sometimes I am still worried about it may come back.  The only thing I can do is to stay positive. FYI

Discussion Boards