Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/3/2010

Question
Good Evening Dr Nordquist,  My friends wife was diagnosed with an "Inoperable 4 cm tumor at base of brain".  This is all of the information I have as they don't talk about it at all and she is in completed denial.  She also has vertigo 24/7, vestibular migraines, Menieres, nystagmus, pelvic floor spasms, and from hearing her talk there are approximately 4 different head aches that she suffers from, and a new symptom is sudden onset of complete exhaustion. Also, her neuro believes CIDP for which she is being treated with IVIG.  She has memory lapses as well as De Ja Vu as well as off and on numbness in her hands.  She takes 10 - 12 vicodin a day as well as 3 - 5 .5mg of klonopin per day.  There is also BP meds, anxiety meds, anti depressants and pain relievers.  (She doesn't believe I pay attention  :-)  )

I noticed a couple of days ago that she has become very aggressive and aggitated, quick to fall in to rage.  Also, her sleep patterns are irregular, even with a sleep aid.  She will sleep off and on for 2 hours or sleep 18 hours straight.

I apologise that this is so long.  Is any of this a signal of her time left with us?  When she talks to us she talks about what she has to expect in 40 years and I'm just not seeing that.

Answer
Well with that location it should be more or less inoperable. With a size of 4 cm (a little more than 1.5 inch) it is unfortunately also untreatable with stereotactic radiation therapy (too big) like the so called "GammaKnife" or proton beams which otherwise maybe could have cured her. Conventional radiation therapy can not cure her but may be able to prolong the process. Her symptoms do not surprise me, they were to be expected. Her survival time is at MOST around one year but may be MUCH shorter and can probably be measured in months. When she sleeps all the time her end will be near. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!



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