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My Husband's journey with Glioblastoma

Brain Tumor | Last Active: Oct 21 5:20pm | Replies (174)

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@colleenyoung

@otis123, I'm thrilled that you took the time to share your husband's journey with Glioblastoma after silently following the discussions for several months. I'm confident that fellow members @marcyprof @bjh369 @daughterfuturemd @rosez @ginette55 @nursnis @donnamar @nelliegraywar @youngwoman and others will appreciate your post and may encourage them to do the same.

Otis, several members are asking questions about the Optune cap. Might you be able to talk more about your husband's experiences with that in this discussion?
- Glioblastoma (GBM) trials and therapeutic devices (Optune): https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gbm-trials-ttfields-brain-device/

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Replies to "@otis123, I'm thrilled that you took the time to share your husband's journey with Glioblastoma after..."

First of all, my name is Kathie. My husband's nickname is "Otis". I will talk a little about our experience with Optune and will be happy to try to answer any questions folks have. The Optune Cap creates low intensity, wave-like electric fields called Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). The TTFields interfere with GBM tumor cell division, slowing or stopping the tumor cells from dividing. It may even destroy them. Optune is from a company called Novocure, and they are very helpful and available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support. A technician came to our home back in March and spent a couple hours demonstrating and teaching me how to attach the Optune Cap to Steve's head. Basically, I have to shave his head, wipe his scalp with 70% alcohol, and then apply the arrays. I attached a picture of the arrays. There are four of them to attach. It's like a huge bandaid with sticky circles that remind me of corn pads. Four days is the maximum time before changing them. I started removing them under running warm water to reduce the possibility of skin irritations. Steve does well with Optune. He has to carry it around with him all day. It weighs about 5 lbs. We have to remember to take extra batteries when we leave the house. When home, we have a power supply box that can be plugged in to save the batteries. I could go on and on but think it best to see what kind of questions are out there.