Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 8/21/2011

Question
My wife had a seizure in Feb 05 and was found to have an astrocytoma.She had surgery and radiation and has been taking Trileptal ever since.We found out in June 11 that it is growing back and causing swelling on the brain.She didn't have a second seizure.She was just feeling weird and sluggish and weak.So far we have done Temodar(250mg# 7 days on and 7 days off for 2 months.They also put her on Decadron starting at 12 mg daily and she's now down to 4 mg daily.She also takes Bactrim once daily for her low white blood cell count.We recently had an MRI after 2 months and they said the scan looks to have "pseudo progression".They also recommended another month of Temodar then another MRI scan.I'm not sure that my wife really wants to do more Temodar,because of the side effects.She has said that she is really tired of taking pills.It also seems that things are getting worse as far as her walking,balance,thought process and speech.Our conversations are real basic and she always tells me that I ask too many questions.I know the meds and her cancer have alot to do with that.My wife is 46 5'6' 118#.Other than the brain cancer she is healthy#heart,lungs,blood#.She eats well and maintains her weight.What are your thoughts?Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.Thank you.

Answer
All malignant brain tumor cases have a bad prognosis regardless of treatment (but they live longer with treatment). So also here. The suggested treatment may make it possible for her to live (somewhat) longer. But it can - so far - not cure her or change her prognosis. Her treatment can only be decided by herself - if she is considered legally capable. Certainly not by me.


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