Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 8/24/2007

Question
my husband (age 70) was diagnosed with gbm in may 2007. he has ungone radiation and temodar, now on 5 days of temodar per month.  recent mri showed swelling and a new small tumor .. the tumor is in the right temporal region.  he has never 'bounced back' from the surgery.  his current problems: extreme fatigue (he's on steriods now but the problem was present before the doctor restarted steroid therapy), gasping for breath (our g.p. says it's from reflux), unable to get right leg to support his weight or extend and lift, his 'quality' of life is extremely poor.  our oncologist thinks some of the problems may be psychosamtic (however you spell it) and due to extreme depression.  i don't think my husband has given up on life, but is extremely discouraged at his lack of progress.  changes in meds have not seemed to help ... he's on keppra for seizures (in case the breathing problems are due to simple partial seizures), ativan for mood, synthroid, dexamethasone (was decreased to 8 mg per day), prilosec for reflux.  he also has nausea without vomiting ... kytril and marinol do not help.

do you have any suggestions or input that might help me?  it's very difficult watching a man with brain cancer, especially when nothing seems to help his condition.  i appreciate your help.  many thanks!


Answer
Unfortunately I do not have much to offer. The prognosis of this tumor is, I'm sorry to say, very bad regardless of any or whatever therapy given. Personally I doubt that his symptoms are psychosomatic. I believe they are associated directly or indirectly with his brain tumor! I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!