Pipes
New User
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 1
|
 Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:53 pm Post subject: Long-term GBM survival |
 |
|
Hi all,
Just found these forums as I was searching for long term survivability rates on GBM. My father was diagnosed with GBM in 1997 when I was 12, and he's still alive and kicking today. Now that I'm older, I asked some questions, separated "brain cancer" to its medical name and started doing research on the issue. Wow! I didn't realize he was such a statistical oddity. So odd, in fact, that I can't even find a solid percentage of 10 year survival...and he's in year 11!
I realize his story may be interesting to some of you. Being that I was 12 when he was diagnosed, I don't know a lot of the scientific info, but if anyone has questions I could probably find them out. In any case, here goes:
My dad's tumor covered both left and right side of the brain. This made it difficult because, as I understand, it's impossible to operate on both sides of the brain without vegetable-izing someone. Instead, they surgically removed the larger portion, and zapped the smaller portion with chemo. He didn't need the full treatment of chemo, forgoing about 2-3 appointments.
And...that's it. A check up every 3 months, and the cancer has never recurred. He was initially diagnosed when he fainted at work, falling off a ladder. Prior to the cancer, he was very active (whitewater rafting, skiing, etc); now all he wants to do is stay home and nap. That can be partly attributed to his age (59), and partly due to creeping arthritis, but I know GMB had something to do with it as well. During chemo his personality swung a bit - he nearly beat up my brother once, and he has NEVER been violent, before or since - but overall he's been very stable. He does drink and smoke, and does not maintain a healthy lifestyle, which amazes me even more that he's still alive.
But I'm glad he is! So there is hope out there for people diagnosed with GBM. My father has gone 11 years, so it can and does happen. |
|
EJM68
New User
Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:57 am Post subject: Re: Long-term GBM survival |
|
|
Wow, thats great news and an inspiration to me Pipes. I'm 40 and having been living with a GBM4 since diagnosed Jan 12 2008. I'm still in the early stages of this but once again, it was nice to hear of that "statistical oddity". I worry daily of whats next, whats happening up there in my brain. Day by day is all I can do to get through this.
Bext wishes to you and your dad.
Ed
_________________
Ed McDade
Glioblastoma Grade 4
Diagnosed 02/05/08 |
|
Search 
Email Digests
Register to post
Profile 
Check private messages 
Log in
What is this ?
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here. All content and posts are copyright.
