Sick Mother

[Michellemc]

My mother has Anaplastic Asrocytoma Grade III. She has had it for 20 years. She has had a long battle and I've watched her gradually change. The tumor is in the left frontal lobe and it was not a complete resection but was followed with chemo. My question is what are the effects of the tumor for people who do survive past the 5 year mark? The doctors only gave her 2-3 years. She does things like a child, she won't get up and do anything for herself without basically holding her hand and she's capable but she won't do it? I know her brain is not right but she would rather pee on herself than go to the bathroom. I take care of her and it's hard to keep my cool when I feel like I am the parent. She will sleep all day and then stay up all night. 2 Years ago she started having a weird kind of sezures and myself and her dr.s tell her if she will keep a chedule and exercise and such that she'll feel better and her body will respond better and as well she will live longer. Her Dr.recently told me the track sh'e on she'll probably have to be put in nursing home in 1 year and she's only 56. Do you have any advice or is this just how it is. I was told this is a slow process. How long is it recommended to try to keep taking care of someone like this by themselves. And do you know of anything else that may come along or a website with more info? Thanks   Michelle

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello Michelle.

A tumor which grows and stays for a long time is bound to produce compression effects. Since the tumor is in the left frontal lobe, her executive functions are affected. She has lost her abilities of reasoning, logical decision making and a few other functions like planning for the future.

The tumor has left an excitable area in the brain which is giving rise to the seizures. The tumor must be a large size, as it has affected the region in the frontal lobe which controls urinary continence.

Her present problems are due to the pressure effects caused by the tumor or the brain. Some areas of the lobe are most probably permanently affected. With conservative care, some functions can be recovered. I will not be able to give you any exact timeline.

There is one more issue you have to consider. This was a malignant tumor. It is known to recur or spread. Please have her screened regularly for any metastases of the tumor.

I wish I could give you a better answer.

Regards

Dr Abhijeet D

[Michellemc]

Thank you so much. Do you know where I can get more info about this tumor and also to find out if it's hereditery. I have a 12 year old daughter and seeing my mother like this worries me about myself and even her. Thanks again