Diagnosis

The mass in the right parietal lobe was discovered on 12.13.06 after several gran mal seizures.  Since then I only experience partial seizures due to meds.  Recent MRI showed some small "growth" or new cells and Neuro-oncologist has recommended Temodar as a method of controlling the new discovery.  My question is, if I have been prescribed a chemotherapy (oral) - does that mean that I now have brain cancer?   As basic as the question is, I am actually afraid of the answer.  Anyone? 

kminthesaddle,

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck.....well, you know the rest.  Obviously, one assumes since you were put on chemotherapy then the mass is probably malignant.  Have you had a biopsy?  In any case, I would suggest that you discuss this urgent matter with your oncologist.  Good luck.

Joan L

Oh, I am sorry to hear it. I would take a real proactive position if I were you. I would find out what they "think" it is.  Is it inoperable?  If there is no biopsy but there is growth I would want it treated aggressively now.  I would want temador and maybe a dose of radiation to get it if it is inoperable.  You need to be your own best advocate.  I hope you have someone to support you with this.   Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  

Hug, Donna, Rob's wife, dx biopsy 12/08 multifocal GBM, 30  days rad/temador, progression 7/09, stereotactic radiation, avastin, temador, progression 10/09- starting tomorrow-  stereotactic radiation -11 days

On Oct 26, 2009 6:29 PM Joan_l_3 wrote:

kminthesaddle,

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck.....well, you know the rest.  Obviously, one assumes since you were put on chemotherapy then the mass is probably malignant.  Have you had a biopsy?  In any case, I would suggest that you discuss this urgent matter with your oncologist.  Good luck.

Joan L

Joan ~ Biopsy done in Jan. 07 showed no malignant cells in the mass - I've had about a dozen or so MRI's since, this is the first time there has been a "change".  The neuro-oncologist is the one who has recommended the Temodar, but we didn't address the "c" word in our discussion.  Perhaps he doesn't want to upset me, or perhaps he assumes that I know what is going on since we've been following this thing for 3 years.. I will put a call in to him tomorrow just so we are on the same page.. thanks for your comments. 

Thanks for your message.  I plan to be agressive as well as pro-active and have tons of support thank goodness.  My best wishes to you during your treatments. Take care, Katherine

Dear Katherine,

Cancer is a word we don't like but it covers a wide range of complicated things. If the cells are dividing when they shouldn't, and affecting other functions or aspects of your health, then yes I would say whatever they want to call it, bring on the Temodar and Avastin too!

I'll be hoping it helps.

Best,
Sarah

mother of Andy 27 dx gbm/pnet 1/09

I have an oligodendro glioma anaplastic in the left occipatal lobe. It started in 1993 as a low grade and over the years (going on seventeen years) it has progressed to a grade three. In the past I've had a sterotactic biopsy,radiation,two open crains,  and on my third chemo treatments. I first had PVC, perifisoine a (clinical trial drug) I did eighteen rounds most only do three or four and now I'm on my third round of Temador. I go to Sloan Kettering and I'm their lab rat. Don't stick your head in the sand remember knowledge is  power. There are good cancer hospitals,MD Answers, Duke, Sloan all in the top ten. .God bless~