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Brain Tumors/Brain Tumor

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Expert: - 5/23/2008


Question
My husband has stage IV, astrocytoma.  He recently had radiation which shrinked the tumor by 60%. He is currently on chemo (temodor). We already have one son and we wanted to have another baby? What are the effects to the baby of his brain tumor? Should we wait till he is off chemo? should we not have a baby at all because the baby may be at risk of getting a brain tumor at any stage in his/her life?  Thanks

Answer
Oh, this was a hard question.  There is no clinical or scientific evidence suggesting that brain tuors or their causes may be hereditary. Chemo therapy may make your husband less fertile and also may have unwanted genetic effects. Furthermore, with this diagnosis the future is uncertain. If I was in his shoes I would hesitate at the thought of one more child under these circumstances. But of course the choice is his and yours!

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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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