My brother was dx with an Anaplastic Astrocytoma located in his cerebellum in Nov 2006. He had surgery (removed about 25% of tumor) and the usually prescribed radiation and chemo (Temodar) through Cleveland Clinic. Then he entered a clinical trial at Duke University consisting of Temodar and Gleevac. At the end of the year-long trial there was no evidence of tumor, but the doctors wanted him to continue with the Temodar for awhile longer anyway. He seemed to be doing very good. Before his initial dx he was experiencing vision and balance problems, but seemed to be much better. Even driving again. Then in 2008 several small tumors were found in his spine. He had a portion of his spine radiated and began another chemo, V16 I believe it was called. It was not as gentle as the Temodar and was harder on him. Then again he was given a clean bill of health in April 2009 and in May all treatment was stopped. By June his vision and balance were worsening and he is now immobile and in a wheelchair. My mother and father care for him everyday because his wife and two sons are not home then. Several of us siblings live out-of-state and are not able to help with his daily care. We are all devestated. I just recently pruchased several alternative cancer treatment books and am trying to sort through all the info. I feel that time is running out for my brother, and I feel the traditional treatments have caused a lot of harm.
Karen D.