Return of Oligoastrocytoma grade 2

In July 2004 I had a tumor, oligoastrocytoma grade 2, removed from my left temporal lobe.  I did 9 months of temodar then monitored it with routine MRIs.  It has been just over 5 years and my last MRI showed my tumor has returned.  A resection is not an option at this time.  The doctors want me to do radiation and chemo.  I was just curious if anyone had any thoughts on my situation or recommendations for different treatment.  I am 30 years old and a single mom of 2 young boys.  I struggle with the return of this everyday.  This time seems harder than the first time. 

 Amy

Chemo and radiation are standard.  But you might ask about Novocure.  Vaccines seem to be helpful.  Can you go to one of the university centers, Duke, MD Anderson, UCLA etc for a second opinion?  I'd really recommend it.

Get a second opinion and a biopsy.  My son was 3 when we were told he had a brain tumor and it could not be removed.  We had a biopsy done.  While he was still on the operating table the neuro-surgeon meet with us and suggested removing the tumor.  The original diagnosis was incorrect. Martin just turned 5.  90% of the tumor was removed followed by 40 radiation treatments, 30 days of Temodar (chemo), and currently on 5day /23 day off of Temodar.  He has some side effects but he is doing great.      

Hi Amy,

My tumour is also inoperable at this time.  DX Oligodendrogliom II right perietal lobe.  They feel it is to close to the motor strip and area controlling left field of vision for them to risk a resection at this time.  I was Diagnosed Feb 2007 and did the 5/23 temodar chemo for 12 months and that did shrink the tumour noticabley, however my last MRI in August revealed some activity under enhancement.

So I am currently doing the IMRT radiation treatments once a day along with low dose temodar.  I have to complete 30 treatments.  Today will be #17.  They have me on Zantac and 2mg of dexamethesone to control any possible swelling of my brain from the radiation.  I have not had any seizures to date so I really hope they can control the swelling.  So far the radiation treatments have gone well, there is no pain or sensation its very much like going for an Xray.  I have lost a couple of patches of hair, but that the least my worries I am mostly bald anyway.

The whole thing is kind of daunting at the beginning, however you will do fine.  Lets hope that our radiation treatments can completely get rid of the tumour, at least shrink it down to a more manageable size where they can use surgery or gamma knife to finish it off.

I totally expect this thing to be something that I will have to fight with from time to time kind of like diabetes, cant get rid of it but maybe control it for some time.

Stay strong, good luck and God bless, I will be thinking of you.

Conrad

dx Oligo II Feb 2007