Re: Brain Tumor

Posted By mary on April 29, 1999 at 10:00:12
Good Morning
My son christopher as a rare brain tumor (rhabdoid). He had surgery last
July to remove it. They only got half . He's had radiation on head and spine. He's on  baby pog chemo  
The drugs are:
Vincristine
Carboplatinum
Cyclophosphamide
Etoposide
G-CSF for bone marrow
He also takes Phenobarbital and Gabapentin for seizures
My question is he's starting to have alot of problems walking
Do these drugs cause nerve damage and will it get better after the chemo is done.
My son also lost most of his eye sight after surgery The tumor is wrapped around the optic nerve  but his eye's were ok before surgery
how could this happen?
Christopher is 4yrs old
Thank you
We're from Toronto Canada
Is there any New Treatments for brain tumors

[CCF MD GS]

Posted By CCF MD GS on April 29, 1999 at 10:22:39
Thanks for the question and I'm very sorry to hear about your son. Rhabdoid tumors are as you know rare and very serious tumors. The treatment that he is recieving is reasonable with the surgery, radiation and the baby POG. I'm not sure that any better protocols are available. The problem that he is having currently with his walking could come from several sources. The vincristine can cause a peripheral neuropathy that could cause sensory loss in the feet and make walking more difficult. You did not mention steroids but if he is on decadron, that can cause a myopathy (muscle weakness) that can also afect walking. If the tumor has spread then it could also be affecting an area of the brain that could affect his gait. Has he had a recent scan to determine the affects of his treatment yet? The radiation to brain and spine could also affect his gait but probably less so. In terms of his vision I guess some of the answer would be determined by the time course. If the vision became poor immediately post op then it is a problem related to the surgery. If the vision has become gradually after surgery then it could be related to tumor invassion or radiation to the optic nerve. I think you need a sit down with his neuro-oncologist to discuss these issues. We are soory to hear about your sons condition and wish you the best.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
PS. You could also contact the American Brain Tumor Association out of Chicago to see if they have a support group for this type of tumor in Canada. I'm not sure of the number as I am writing this off campus, but you should be able to get it.










Follow Ups:


Brain Tumor mary 4/29/1999
(1)

Re: Brain Tumor CCF MD GS 4/30/1999
(0)