Need information on how a GBM patient will get strength to walk

[srinivasedara]

My father is a patient of Grade 4 Brain Tumor (GBM) in his left parietal lobe He is surviving from past 5 years 8 months.



1)     He underwent for a surgery on August 2002. Doctor told he was not able to remove the total tumor.

2)     After 1 month in September last week of 2002 he started Radiations using Linear Accelerator. He had 33 Radiations along with 100 mg Temodal (Temozolomide). He used to take the capsule 1 hour before the radiation.

3)     Then after finishing 33 radiations  He started Chemo with Temodal 250 mg. He used to take it for 5 continuous days and will get 28 days off. He continued this for 6 months and the tumor was not visible in May 2003 MRI.

4)     We stopped this chemo for 3 months after 6 cycles. When we came back on August 2003 to hospital the tumor came back. Hw started taking 350 mg Temodal and continued it for 4 more cycles.

5)     After increasing the dose also it has gowned a little. Then he started taking Irinotecan along with 350 mg Temodal. He continued this for 10 cycles and stopped taking any medicine from November 2004.

6)     In these 3+ years after stopping the medication he was doing well and he is going to office.

7)     From past 6 months he is having difficulty in walking. His legs are looking very strong but he is not able to walk perfectly. He use to tell he is not feeling strength enough to Walk freely.

Please let me know is there any medicine, which will give him good strength so that he can lead a quality life.

[msjazz]

Second thought, if no apparent brain issue, might consider physical theray or occupationa therapy with professionals, will need Dr.'s order for payment.

[msjazz]

If the tumor is gone, you might post the ask an expert Neurology forum.

[Jan214]

This is a link to Medhelps archives on brain tumor issues.  We don't take the kinds of chemo that your dad is on and it would be irresponsible for anyone on here to anwer your post. You need to discuss this with his Dr.  I really am sorry your dad has to go through this.  I will report this as miscategorized and maybe medhelp will move it to a forum that will be more helpful.  When they move it they will send you an email telling you where you can find it.  Good luck to you and your dad.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/neuro/archive/Brain_Tumor1.html

Jan