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Brain Tumors/astrocytoma grade2

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Expert: - 11/1/2008


Question
My husband was diagnosed with a grade 2 diffuse infiltrating grade 2 astrocytoma tumor of the left frontal lobe after presenting with a seizure six years ago.  It was resected and remained stable for 5 years following.  At the 5 year mark an MRI revealed changes. The tumor had now spread across the corpus collosum and into the right frontal lobe as well.  He completed 13 months of temodar 5/23 until further "subtle changes" were noted.  Chemo was discontinued, and radiation therapy initiated.  He is now 5 months out of radiation.  His first scan showed "significant shrinkage."  My question is...and I know nobody can definitely determine this...but is this curable?  How long could he possibly live with this?  Nobody seems to be able to give me even a round about time frame.  Could it be months, years, decades?  Is that possible?  And what exactly would take his life?  How does one with brain cancer die?  I hate to keep asking these questions, but I'm just scared.  Thank you.

Answer
He still MAY be able to live for years but it is quite uncertain and I can unfortunately not promise anything. In final stages patients usually become more and more confused, sleep more and more, eventually drift into a coma and then pass away. There is usually little pain if any.

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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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