Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: I can not understand the following situation.  My father was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (Frontal lobe across left and right side),tumor over 7 months ago.  He went through one month of Temador and 30 days of radiation.  This made him very sick for a bit of time were he was unable to even roll over in bed.  He did improve as time went on and was able to roll again and walk with the help of a walker.  Recently, he has began to walk on his own and is even stronger.  They said nerologically he is doing great, heart rate is 72, blood pressure 110 over 70 and 92% oxygen in his blood.  He has been expierancing "funny feeling, tingling very small head ache" and at times is foggy.  What would cause this feeling in the head and why?  It is my understanding that patients get weaker as time goes on why would he be getting stronger?  For weeks his average sleep has been about 15 hours per day and he is on only 3 mg decadron.  Thank you for all your help in understanding this horrific tumor.

ANSWER: Usually patients actually do get better for a time after treatment due to the treatment itself though I agree that this effect here seems to be more long lasting than expected. However these new feelings that you describe may be the first signs of the deterioration that eventually always comes with this diagnosis unfortunately. His long sleeping periods are probably yet another such sign.


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

QUESTION: We just got the new MRI results back. The Oncologist at first said that the tumor looked as though it had not grown. He then called back after speaking with the radiologist and said that the tumor gres VERY very little that it was even hard to tell without measurements. He now has an acne type rash on his back, I was told was due to the medication. He now said he only had headaches for 2 days. The nurse that comes in said he is doing extremely well and the physical theraphist can not believe how strong he has gotten. He has begun to carry on conversations again. Dad is gaining 3-4 pounds a week but is not eating as much as he used to. His Dr said that this may be a turning point. What does that mean a turning point? What I have read says patients with glioblastoma multiforme do not survive this disease. What is the average life expectacy after diagnonses. I asked this question and was told to enjoy today. How can I enjoy today when I am confused. Please help me one more time. Thanks

Answer
If his diagnosis is correct - many brain tumors are VERY hard to diagnose (correctly) - then his survival time would be around one year from primary treatment. If his diagnosis is correct or not I do not know but mistakes here are not impossible and MAY influence treatment results and survival time. A second look at his tumor pathology may be a good idea. Maybe his dr. starts to think along these lines too and that then is what he/she means by turning point.