Stage 4 Brain Cancer, 29 Yrs Old, Radiation....And 3 Months Pregnant

We have a very close friend that found out a couple months ago that she was pregnant.  Her and her fiance were so happy!!!  Well, she got really sick...to the point that one day the police pulled her over for a DUI....but she of course had not been drinking.  She was suffering loss of vision.  She was throwing up all the time.  She finally got rushed to John C. Lincoln Hosp. here in Phx on 4-1-08 because she fell down in her bathtub while trying to go to the bathroom (on her toilet).  They did an MRI, and found 3 tumors.  All located where the left and right sides of the brain meet.  They did a biopsy, and also went in to remove part of the biggest (3 inches) tumor.  They were only able to get about 50% of it.  In 3 weeks time here tumors have quadrupled in size.  She wants to keep her baby...which is her & her fiances 1st.  She started radiation 2 days ago.  The Dr's say she will live 11 months at best.  Sadly...we all know her fate.  But I was wondering what anyone knows about this mixed with pregnancy??  What are the chances that their baby will be ok?   Thanks!!

Probably the saddest story I've ever read on this site - and theres been plenty. Puts my position with my mother (aged 65 with a GBM) in perspective.

 RE: your question - would imagine radiothreapy would be ok as its directed at the brain, with the objective of minimising effects on the rest of the body. Chemo however would almost certainly be a no no.

The doctors will know though and be able to advise.

My prayers are with you, your friend and her family.

 Best wishes

Dan

Dan,

Thank you for your response.  That is what the Dr's said, too.  They gave her 11 months with the radiation, and 14 months with the radiation & chemo, but with the chemo she would have had to abort the baby.  She chose to sacrifice the extra 3 months of her life over the baby's.  It is a very heart-wrenching story.  My prayers are also with you and your family!

Jennifer in Phx

Hello Jennifer.  What a tragic, terrible story.  I'm so sorry for your friend's condition.   It is bad enough when people in their 50's, 60's and 70's get this terrible disease but absolutely tragic when it happens to a young person.

Your friend's situation is very dire.  Unfortunately, radiation does not always work to reduce the tumor or halt progression.  It didn't for us.  My husband's tumor grew while he underwent 34 radiation treatments and took 160 mg. of Temodar per day. 

Again, so sorry to hear this very heart-wrenching story.

Warmest wishes,

Barb

Husband dx 4/07 with inoperable GBM IV.  Radiation and Temodar did not work.  On Avastin/CPT-11 since 7/07.  Considerable tumor shrinkage.  Good MRI's since starting this regimen.

Don't be so quick as to say she going to sacrifice 3 months without chemo.Radiation may possibly hold it stable until she has the baby, then possibly chemo. You might ask the doctor about Avastin while she is pregnant(not a chemo, but a targeted therapy) 

 

On 4/27/2008 gbpackergirl1974 wrote:

We have a very close friend that found out a couple months ago that she was pregnant.  Her and her fiance were so happy!!!  Well, she got really sick...to the point that one day the police pulled her over for a DUI....but she of course had not been drinking.  She was suffering loss of vision.  She was throwing up all the time.  She finally got rushed to John C. Lincoln Hosp. here in Phx on 4-1-08 because she fell down in her bathtub while trying to go to the bathroom (on her toilet).  They did an MRI, and found 3 tumors.  All located where the left and right sides of the brain meet.  They did a biopsy, and also went in to remove part of the biggest (3 inches) tumor.  They were only able to get about 50% of it.  In 3 weeks time here tumors have quadrupled in size.  She wants to keep her baby...which is her & her fiances 1st.  She started radiation 2 days ago.  The Dr's say she will live 11 months at best.  Sadly...we all know her fate.  But I was wondering what anyone knows about this mixed with pregnancy??  What are the chances that their baby will be ok?   Thanks!!

 

This is so very sad. Don't rely entirely on the Dr's prognosis. When nuero-oncologist get the pathology and read  GBM they automatically give you the worst case scenerio.Many people out live the prognosis at least by a few months. With her age and if she does'nt have any pre existing health concerns she might be able to complete radiation, have the baby and be up to getting chemo with in weeks of delivery. They might want to concider delivery as soon as the baby is healthy enough. She's 3 months, radiation will last about 6 wks ,so thats 41/2 months. If they can deliver the baby within a few months after radiation she might still benefit from the chemo.

This is one of the most tragic stories I've read. I would say have a wedding and make some beautiful memories that will be cherished. You have to kick your planning up few notches.

Your in my prayers.

Jen,

I live in Phoenix also.  Although my mother who is being treated for cancer lives in the Seattle area.  Through my work, I am familiar with local hospitals.  If she is not already being seen at Barrows Neurological Center at St Joe's, I would highly recommend it. 

Hi.  Thanks for your response.  Yes, after she got rushed to John C. Lincoln, and they found the tumors, they air-vacced (sp?) her to St. Joe's.  That is where she was this whole time...until 3 days ago.  They moved her to Health South on 67th and T-Bird.  I have heard a lot about the stellar treatment at St. Joe's...so we know she was in the best care.  I guess today they told her family that they gave her a "stimulant".  Nobody knows what for.  They won't answer any of the families questions.  They also went on to say that it could have hurt the baby.  Do you know anything about this...or what it may have been?  Thanks!

Jenn

Hi Jenn,

 Your friend may want to investigate other 'non-toxic' forms of treatment also to prolong life further.

 One possible option is the 'Novocure' device, which transmits electrical fields through the tumour disrupting its growth. Its current trial results have been promising.

If you google Novocure you'll find a link to it on the net. I don't think your friend would meet the criteria for a trial as I believe its for recurrent patients only. However they may allow her to use it on compassionate grounds, especially considering the tragic circumstances.

 Worth investigating as I wouldnt' expect this to impact on the babies health at all.

 Best wishes

 Dan

Our story had something to your friend.

Please read the following thread of messages I called “The Long Run”:

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,16533

 

I posted somewhere between September/October 2007. At the very moment we learned from a new reoccurrence after a second surgery. At that time my daughter had little more than two months. She was born healthy after a 35 weeks gestation. After the C Section we wait literally ten days and get back to the hospital to face the monster once again.

 

I am going through a lot right now, but I can tell you, it worth. I am not thinking in terms of divine justice or reparation. It is not about filling a gap. It is a lot more intense, it is about life. I do not need to ask for strength to endure the pain, It flourish every time I hold my daughter. She is the ultimate expression of our victory over our fears and pain.