Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi
5 years ago my wife was diagnosed with a Astrocytoma grade 2 on the right hand side of her brain, it was large, We had a operation to analyze the tumor and confirm its diagnosis. Nothing grew until the start of this year when due to problems and seizures we went for a de-bulking operation. Also they re-analyzed the tumor and it had altered to a glioblastoma. We have gone through Chemo and radiotherapy together and this was completed 2 months ago. As I have 4 young children I am always thinking of what the future will bring, but as of yet the doctors have not given us a prognosis on life expectancy or quality of life. Is there some info you could let me have as i want to be prepared so i can best meet the challenges that are coming up. I do understand that all tumors are different but some guidance would help me greatly.
Thank you for your help
Alun   


ANSWER: Unfortunately in this situation I think it is best that you prepare for that her prognosis may be quite bad. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you! I doubt that her survival time will be much longer than a year and it may be shorter.


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

QUESTION: Hi
Thank you for your response,The tumor is in the right temperal lobe, and at the time of the de-bulking they removed 95% of it. Have you any ideas what effects this will have on my wifes standard of life, already she has short term memory loss, which could be down to the radiotherapy as well.
Regards
Alun

Answer
Well the main reasons for these sad effects are the activities of her brain tumor. Surgery and radiation therapy etc. are but minor factors in this sad situation. Glioblastoma multiforme is a 100% sure killer unfortunately. She may show stroke like symptoms even epileptic fits. She will become more and more confused and sleep more and more. Eventually drift into a coma and then pass away. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you! There will be little pain if indeed any!