topic Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma in Wellness

Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

bkgirl — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 14:39:40 GMT

Is anyone familiar with this type of brain tumor? My 38 y/o son was just diagnosed with this, and my heart is broken....

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

Mom2Dogs — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 14:52:37 GMT

I have no experience or knowledge about this but I am so sorry.....praying for your son and family.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

brii — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 15:06:33 GMT

I'm so sorry about your son.

I've never heard of that. I hope he has a good medical team that will help you and your family understand all of this.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

betteb — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 15:44:52 GMT

((((((((((((bkgirl)))))))))))))))) I'm so very sorry.

There are so many different types of Astrocytoma, there is no way for me, or anyone really besides his Dr, to give you any info about it, without a lot more info about his specific case.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

conlt — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 15:51:42 GMT

I am sorry, I don't know about this type of tumor. Hopefully, all can be taken care of. I was just diagnosed with 2 Pituitary Adenoma's and they are working me up for Cushing's Disease. For me it has been a very scary month. However, I did a lot of research on reliable sites such as University Medical Schools, the Pituitary Society, and the National Institute of Health. The one thing I did learn in all that I read is that if surgery is needed that I need to go to a very experienced surgeon. So all as I can tell you is that if he needs surgery, search for a surgeon that specializes in the condition that he has. I am praying for his recover, keep us posted.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

apple1964 — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 15:58:48 GMT

Only your doctor can explain best about what this brain tumor is. Godspeed for your son.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

GCR18 — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 16:12:56 GMT

My friends teenage daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor last week. They are going to a children's hospital next week to talk with a specialist. Brian tumors don't always lead to surgery, etc. Another friends brother in law was diagnosed with a tumor ten years ago and that was it. No surgery or anything. He's around 40. Positive thoughts for you and your son.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

Montana — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 16:48:50 GMT

I can imagine your broken heart, as what mother would not feel the same way. There is no pain like watching your child hurting. I do not know anything about brain tumors but you might get more information and support on the Cancer survivors thread on this board.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

lucylover64 — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 16:52:47 GMT

bkgirl--I am so sorry to read about your son. I wish I could offer some information to you but I have no knowledge about this brain tumor. I do wish you, your son, and your family peace and hope as you move forward in this journey--one step/day at a time, which can certainly be hard to do. Sending blessings and prayers to all of you. Please keep us posted as you feel able.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

GMM — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 17:07:59 GMT

My husband had one of these removed 17 years ago and he is still alive and kicking. Good luck with your son!

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

GMM — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 17:08:40 GMT

My husband had one of these removed 17 years ago, and is still alive and kicking. Good luck with your son!

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

CinNC — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 17:28:25 GMT

Sorry very sorry. Wishing you and your son the best outcome.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

wonderfulworld — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:23:13 GMT

I have no advice or experience either, just sending warm thoughts your way and glad to see GMM positive post. I have faced some health issues and I have found the internet medical info to be very scary and in the end not pertinent at all.

Please keep us updated if you can.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

TexasMom1 — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:28:35 GMT

So very sorry your family is facing this. I don't know where you live, but M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas has one of the best neurology/neurosurgery departments in the country. Do not hesitate to call them. What is your son's doctor saying?

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

bkgirl — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:42:32 GMT

Thank you all SO much for your support & prayers. I'm just a very frightened mother, and am looking for any personal experience anyone has had. My son has been getting very thorough explanations of what he has, and what they will do. (He is a physician himself). He is trying to protect his wife, children, and parents from too much fear. He will be seeing a specialist in SanFrancisco in a week for a consultation, and will need an "awake craniotomy". I've seen one performed on the Discovery channel and don't want to think about it…..

TexasMom - Houston is where he was advised to go as his 2nd option. Thanks!

Thank you all again for your support…..

Kathy (WI)

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

Lotus — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:56:11 GMT

Hi bkgirl....hearing the word "cancer" is the most frightening thing anyone can hear. I have no medical advice for you,but I will add your son to my daily prayer list. Would you mind sharing his first name? I like to include a name in my prayers when I can.

Wishing him and your family good luck!

Hugs,

Lotus (debbie)

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

bkgirl — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 22:11:53 GMT

Lotus - his name is Adam - thank you!

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

vsm — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 22:36:44 GMT

God bless you and your family, bkgirl. Do check out the neuro-oncology branch at NIH (NIH.gov) for clinical trials, which is now headed by Dr. Mark Gilbert. Even if a trial is not available for Adam,the website has much helpful information. I have been living with two inoperable, malignant brain tumors (oligodendrogliomas, not astrocytomas) since the late 1980s; in the nick of time, NIH accepted me for a trial in 2005. I had chemotherapy and it saved my life. NIH continues to monitor me with MRIs 3 times a year in case the tumors reactivate. I'm grateful for every minute of every day.

Another good resource for patients and their families: braintumor.org, for the National Brain Tumor Society.

BE HOPEFUL. You are in my prayers.

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

Cookie2025 — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 23:07:24 GMT

(((( HUGS ))) bkgirl. I will keep your Son and your Family in my prayers.

Kim

Re: Brain Tumor - Astrocytoma

lucylover64 — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 23:14:22 GMT

On 2/21/2015 bkgirl said:
Thank you all SO much for your support & prayers. I'm just a very frightened mother, and am looking for any personal experience anyone has had. My son has been getting very thorough explanations of what he has, and what they will do. (He is a physician himself). He is trying to protect his wife, children, and parents from too much fear. He will be seeing a specialist in SanFrancisco in a week for a consultation, and will need an "awake craniotomy". I've seen one performed on the Discovery channel and don't want to think about it…..

TexasMom - Houston is where he was advised to go as his 2nd option. Thanks!

Thank you all again for your support…..

Kathy (WI)

Kathy-

I will keep Adam and all of you in my prayers. I would guess that being a physician himself must be somewhat bittersweet in this situation. I agree with Lotus~the word "cancer" is so frightening as many of us have had some experience, either directly or indirectly, with hearing it. Please know that you are not alone and remember to do what you can to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Medical technology is so amazing, as your son clearly knows....but when one is on the receiving end of needing that technology and gifted professionals, it is hard to keep it in your mind. Please keep us updated as you feel able, and I hope that posting can offer you a bit of comfort.