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Brain Tumors/grade 4 GBM

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Expert: - 3/23/2008


Question
My Mother of 57yrs was diagnosed with a grade 4 GBM (5.5x5cm) last October(07). Within 6 weeks post removal it had already grown to 4.5cm, hence she had a resection.  She had the Temodal wafers placed in the cavity as only 90% was removed. Has since had radiation and chemo therapy.  In the last two weeks she has become very tired and has some very painful cramping in her feet.  Her jaw is also quite painful to chew food (GP has prescribed some drugs for that)  Her confusion is worsening every day.  She has already exceeded the Dr's expectations for life expectancy.  My main question is regarding the precious time we have left and how much, how we can help her ?

Answer
It is impossible for anyone to predict survival times with any accuracy, hence her own dr.'s apparent failure to do so. BUT unfortunately no one survives a GBM 4. That her confusion gets worse is a sign that her illness is progressing. She should sleep more and more too. When she drifts into a coma her end is not far off. There is unfortunately not much you can do in this situation. Just try to keep her as comfortable as possible. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!  

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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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