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Brain Tumors/Glioblastoma

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Expert: - 10/26/2008


Question
My husband was diagnosed with GBM and had surgery 6/9/08 removing 98%  He has had the radiation and Temodar; had an MRI that showed no growth, no shrinkage.  Then, he had a CT and all of a sudden, it seemed, hospice was recommended.  Brain shifting was mentioned.  He is on hospice now.  He still showers himself and can use the toliet himself but his walking is extremely wobbly and he is a little confused.  With this info. do you think you could estimate how long he can last like this and what to expect?  The hospice nurse has never dealt with GBM and is not helpful.
Thank you

Answer
Well, unfortunately his remaining survival time can probably be measured in months and most probably not in years. He will become more and more confused, may show stroke like symptoms and even epileptic fits. He will sleep more and more, then drift into a coma and then pass away. There will be little pain if any. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

Brain Tumors

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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