Help! New Surgery

HELP!  My brother needs a second surgery.  First surgery was in 2/08.  Since then, radiation and temodar and now temodar and CPT 11.  There has been no shrinkage but no growth either.  Tumor is near the motor strip.  New doctor at a new hospital thinks that they will be able to get more of the tumor leading to better success with treatment (no guarantees).  My brother is now confined to a wheelchair due to hemiparesis on the left side, but cognitively is doing very well.  He has fortunately been able to tolerate the chemo.  I would really like to know if anyone has anyreally good  recommendations for a neurosurgeon in the Southern California area?  My brother is currently at Chao Medical Cancer Center at UC Irvine.  Everyone seems very nice and knowledgeable, but I want to be sure he receives the best possible surgery and care to have the best possible chance of a quality life.  ANY information would be SO appreciated.  This "thing" has turned our lives upside down as I know it has so many that contribute to this board.  My prayers go out to all of you who are fighting this.

Concerned Sister

On 7/9/2008 concerned sis wrote:

HELP!  My brother needs a second surgery.  First surgery was in 2/08.  Since then, radiation and temodar and now temodar and CPT 11.  There has been no shrinkage but no growth either.  Tumor is near the motor strip.  New doctor at a new hospital thinks that they will be able to get more of the tumor leading to better success with treatment (no guarantees).  My brother is now confined to a wheelchair due to hemiparesis on the left side, but cognitively is doing very well.  He has fortunately been able to tolerate the chemo.  I would really like to know if anyone has anyreally good  recommendations for a neurosurgeon in the Southern California area?  My brother is currently at Chao Medical Cancer Center at UC Irvine.  Everyone seems very nice and knowledgeable, but I want to be sure he receives the best possible surgery and care to have the best possible chance of a quality life.  ANY information would be SO appreciated.  This "thing" has turned our lives upside down as I know it has so many that contribute to this board.  My prayers go out to all of you who are fighting this.

 

Concerned Sister

Hi,

I go to UCLA. They are excellent. I did not have my surgery there because we didn't know at the time, but would have if someone would have given us more information about brain tumors. UCLA neuro-oncology program focus' only on brain tumors; so these people live and breathe brain tumor treatments and studies. You can go to their website and read up on them. Hope this helps you. God bless your family and your brother.

My mother's tumor is Lt parietal lobe butted up against the motor area.  She had resection 10/07 & spent 6wks in-patient rehab to learn to walk, tell time, add numbers and just how to sequence events & words.  She is left with only mild right hemiparesis.  She walks, showers, and can even ride her boyfriend's Harley with him.  She had 2 new small areas of re-growth.  Her neurosurgeon absolutely would not touch them surgically or she would risk being in a wheelchair.  We were referred to UW Madison, (WI) where she had radiosurgery ("gamma knife", "cyberknife").  She has done beautifully.  We will find out tomorrow what the MRI shows now that its been 2 1/2 mos after the radiosurgery.  If your brother's tumor is so close to the motor center, would you consider a 2nd or 3rd opinion before going ahead with a second surgery?  Especially if the the tumor is "status quo" (no shrinkage but no growth).  It might be worth it.  :)

Don't be frightened by the thought of a second surgery. It's pretty normal for people that have GBM -- my Dad had two-- you can keep on going-- it's not easy though. The second surgery takes alot out of you!

Have you tried UCLA-- check out their neuro-oncology dept-- they have Amazing Doc's!