Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 2/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: My brother is 34 years old and 3 years ago was diagnosed with inoperable primary brainstem glioma.  Last Friday the doctors pretty much gave him a month to live.  I would like to know what to expect and also if there is any hope out there.  I'm praying for a miracle.  If there is any specialist and/or type of surgery new experimental anything that might could save his life.  I feel like there is nothing that I can do.

ANSWER: I'm sorry to read about his and your problems! Well that depends on its exact location in his brain stem. But close by there are the centers for heart activity, breathing and swallowing etc. So many things can go wrong rapidly. Unfortunately I can not supply any miracles. Brain tumors of this kind are always fatal. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The tumors are located in the pon.  Can you help me by telling me what to expect in these final days?  He can hardly see, he can only hear keywords, you can bearly understand him when he is able to speak, he say it feels like his throat is closing up on him, he is willing himself to move the little that he does, his legs are so weak.  What else should we expect for him to go thru?

Answer
He will probably sleep more and more, become more confused and then drift into a coma. Then pass away. His throat problems are also unfortunately normal in this situation. He will probably get problems of swallowing, if he does not already have such problems. Otherwise those problems you describe will get worse.