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Brain Tumors/anaplistic astrocytoma

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Expert: - 1/22/2009


Question
My mother was just diagnosed with an anaplastic astrosytoma about the size of a quarter they removed what they could and plan to start radiation. I am wondering what to expect throughout the stages of this tumors progression so that I can be prepared to care for her and for my father. thank you for your assistance.

Answer
Highly malignant brain tumors - as her tumor seems to be an example of - are always lethal even with full therapy. Her survival time will probably be around one year or somewhat longer. She may develop stroke like symptoms and even epileptic fits. She will become more and more confused and will sleep more and more. When she sleeps all the time her end is near. She will then drift into a coma and then pass away. There will be little pain - if any. I do recommend hospice! I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

Brain Tumors

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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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