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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Grade 3 Astrocytoma
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Grade 3 Astrocytoma
by Allen 'X', DDS, May 19, 2000 12:00AM
Doctor,
My questions are not urgent, but this posting may provide significant inspiration for Astrocytoma patients and their loved ones. My wife, Ann, had surgery in Oct., 1972, at the age of 22, for a Grade 3 Astrocytoma, as graded by the renown pathologist Dr. Orville Bailey, in the right temporo-parietal region of her brain. This was followed by a cobalt radiation therapy over the next 3 months that totaled 5000 rads to the whole brain and 6000 rads to the tumor site. There was no chemotherapy. She recovered and there were no recurrences of the tumor, although a residual retention cyst was evacuated 3 years later.
Ann did develop a seizure condition, there were significant loses to her visual field and left homonymous hemianopia. 20+ years post-surgery and radiation therapy, she did develop two Meningiomas in the tumor site area of the meninges, thought to be related to long-term radiation effects. Additional radiation-related neurological effects followed; Ann passed away on Jan.21, 2000, more than 27 years post-surgery and radiation therapy.
Ann lived a very happy and full life despite her disabilities. I often wondered if she might have literally been “1 in a million” surviving as well and long as she did from this grade and type of tumor. Can you provide sources for such information and statistics? Based on 1972 statistics and present-day statistics, what were/are the survival rates are for persons with her grade and type of tumor?
I would consider releasing Ann’s medical history for inclusion in medical studies. Thank you for your time and consideration of my questions.
My questions are not urgent, but this posting may provide significant inspiration for Astrocytoma patients and their loved ones. My wife, Ann, had surgery in Oct., 1972, at the age of 22, for a Grade 3 Astrocytoma, as graded by the renown pathologist Dr. Orville Bailey, in the right temporo-parietal region of her brain. This was followed by a cobalt radiation therapy over the next 3 months that totaled 5000 rads to the whole brain and 6000 rads to the tumor site. There was no chemotherapy. She recovered and there were no recurrences of the tumor, although a residual retention cyst was evacuated 3 years later.
Ann did develop a seizure condition, there were significant loses to her visual field and left homonymous hemianopia. 20+ years post-surgery and radiation therapy, she did develop two Meningiomas in the tumor site area of the meninges, thought to be related to long-term radiation effects. Additional radiation-related neurological effects followed; Ann passed away on Jan.21, 2000, more than 27 years post-surgery and radiation therapy.
Ann lived a very happy and full life despite her disabilities. I often wondered if she might have literally been “1 in a million” surviving as well and long as she did from this grade and type of tumor. Can you provide sources for such information and statistics? Based on 1972 statistics and present-day statistics, what were/are the survival rates are for persons with her grade and type of tumor?
I would consider releasing Ann’s medical history for inclusion in medical studies. Thank you for your time and consideration of my questions.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, May 19, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Allen:
I am happy to hear your story. The best source of information concerning what you ask is from the National Cancer Institute, at the NIH. We several GMB (would be considered grade IV astrocytoma in some schemes) patients alive after 15 years. Best of luck with your project and thank you for your words of encouragement to those with brain tumors.
CCF Neuro MD
I am happy to hear your story. The best source of information concerning what you ask is from the National Cancer Institute, at the NIH. We several GMB (would be considered grade IV astrocytoma in some schemes) patients alive after 15 years. Best of luck with your project and thank you for your words of encouragement to those with brain tumors.
CCF Neuro MD
I appologize for my posting under this but I have tried to post for the past month, i'll make it short, maybe you can answer.
I've had an MRI in February, and a complete eye exam and neuro exam last month. I noticed the dr had indicated my right pupil is mildly reduced reactivity, but no defects found. I've been on Paxil 10mg for 2 weeks. I happen to get blurred vision on the paxil, told to continue it may pass, I noticed when the blurriness began my pupils looked large, now the right one he noted appears to be larger then the left, it does react to light, but sluggish.
Since all above has been normal, what would create my pupil to react strangely? The paxil or vasculitis or some disease? The sluggish eye I was told was weaker in vision, im far sighted. Thank you in advance.
I am on 40 mg of Celexa a day and also get blurred vision especially for the first several hours after taking it. It is quite annoying and I doubt it will go away in me as I have been on it over a month. I am considering asking my psychiatrists for a change in medication. As far as your blurred vision and the pupil thing, I wouldn't worry about it, it sounds like a part of the side effects of your medication.
TERRY