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Brain Tumors/Glibloastoma Grade IV reoccuring

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Expert: - 11/24/2008


Question
My mother was diagnosed in Feb of 2004 with a GBM grade IV. She had surgery radiation and chemo. She was paralyzed and then regained most of her mobility. She was again diagnosed with another GBM, same place accept this one was bigger, she has surgery, chemo and radiation and the tumor is continuously growing. Since July it went from 11.7 cm to 22cm and that was 3 weeks ago. She had a seizure the other night. It is on her motor skills so I know that is going to happen. Very scare though. She is going to MD Anderson for trials. However how do we know when to get hospice involved or put her in assisted living. Right now my mother lives with my sister and I and we help her. Sometimes she can't move around on her own and we have to help her.

Answer
Actually she has so far responded much better to her treatment than expected so my estimates and evaluations here will be rather uncertain. But I estimate that hospice may be needed within a few months or maybe even sooner. in your place I would discuss this matter with hospice already now to be prepared.

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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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