Waiting for pathology results from second brain tumor. Really nervous

Posted by nozland @nozland, Feb 18, 2019

I had a second brain tumor removed in my right frontal lobe. It grew back in a month and a half. I met with the may neuro team and radiation docs. They didn't have the pathology back. They say it looks like glioma. They are ruling out things in the staining they are doing. So, I wait. The docs couldn't give me answers last week. The radiation doc talked hypothetically about treatment.

My question is -- can you live if you have brain cancer? I have known three people that have had brain cancer. They are not here anymore. So, I really am not sure if going through treatment will give me quality of life. I am not sure I want to go through radiation and fight through the side effects.

I went through chemo last year then had an amputation. I am RBKA. I didn't have quality of life as I fought through to save my leg. I can't imagine what radiation will do to my brain. It has been a long year.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain Tumor Support Group.

Scott, Volunteer Mentor | @IndianaScott | Feb 25, 2019

In reply to @nozland "I'm so grateful for your support. The doc emailed and said I have glioma. There were..." + (show)

Good morning @nozland I am sorry to hear the results of your path report. I know these times of waiting can be excruciating! It’s hard work to stay strong at these times, but know msny out here are sending extra strength!

Strength, courage, and peace ☮️

marcyprof | @marcyprof | Feb 25, 2019

In reply to @nozland "I'm so grateful for your support. The doc emailed and said I have glioma. There were..." + (show)

Hello @nozland ,
You are going through such a difficult and stressful stage. Your concern is legitimate and we understand how much energy the day demands. We went there. Go one step at a time, one hour at a time. Will you be accompanied? These Neuro Appointments are so traumatic that it is good to be able to discuss them later with an ally, a friend or a member of the family. If you want, you can discuss it here. You are in our thoughts.

michaeljh | @michaeljh | Feb 25, 2019

Hello @nozland,
I am really sorry to hear that you are going through this. You have already been through so much. A year ago I was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioma....aka Glioblastoma. I did the standard of care which includes concurrent Temodar/Radiation along with 6 months of additional temodar. I know that every person's experience is different when it comes to how they handle treatment, but I would like to at least possibly give you some inspiration.

I did not have any side effects from the radiation or the chemo. There are long term survivors out there. I have found them. Every case is different and there are so many variables with each case, but I would never turn down the treatment you are talking about due to fear of the side effects. Many people tolerate it pretty well. In my case, after I completed treatment I couldn't believe how much I worried about it up front only to have no side effects whatsoever from the treatment.

I would definitely talk to your doctors and try to ask very specific questions as to your concerns. I suspect they will tell you that it is pretty well tolerated overall. Age and health seem to be the biggest factors. From what I recall, they told me that elderly people tend to have more side effects than younger patients.

Good luck with your decision and your current battle. I wish you all the best!