Hi Lori-
My name is Laurie also. My husband's brother was JUST diagnosed this past week with a grade 3 OAC (just to keep the tumor's name short). We are still in the learning phase but I will say there is A LOT of basic info on the Internet. He has all the classic symptoms of seizures, memory loss and personality change. It will eventually affect his motor skills… he is an avid drummer. This tumor is on the right side of his brain and is too large to operate on until they shrink it with chemo (Temador) and radiation for the next month. From what we have been told, this type of tumor is most receptive to radiation. This brain tumor forms from both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, which are types of glial cells (cells that hold nerve cells in place and help them work the way they should). If you want the truth…. I’m sorry to say, the mortality rate is from 2 – 5 yrs. In rare cases, 11- 20 depending on tumor grade. But miracles do happen.
Also keep in mind, traditonal methods are not the only method… though Dr.’s may say different. Not that I would recommend a pure holistic path in this case but rather as an addition to traditional methods. When your fighting this type of fight, hit it with everything you can. I have a friend with breast cancer who has taken a holistic path and is doing AMAZINGLY well. Make sure your brother eats cancer fighting foods… get him on a healthy diet. Look for supplements that do the same. Try looking for a Nuatopath (Prolotherapy) who can assist. Try to find a clinical social worker (LCSW) or psychologist that can help him practice hypnotherapy or visualization. Have him take a Yoga or meditation class that can help him learn breathing techniques. It will help reduce stress, discomfort and overcome nausea. This I can personally guarantee. Even have your brother to imagine that little sucker getting eaten up by a bunch of little pac-mans. Let the Dr’s heal from the outside but your brother has to do it from the inside. And remember, this tumor is not the enemy, it has been your brother’s tour guide to this journey. It has brought him here but it has now gotten sick. Your brother has to thank it for getting him to this healthy new way of life but he can take it from here now. Have him tell it that he is here to make it well so it can move on and leave him. Your brother is not sick, the tumor is. He runs it, not the other way around. He must remain in good health so he can be the pathway to heal the tumor. The tumor cannot make HIM well, he can only get IT well. Name it, talk to it, think it well……. It’s there, it’s real and a part of him. He can’t pretend it’s not there. So address and an get it on your side. Let it work with you, not against. Sounds quirky, I know. But the power of positive thinking and prayer can do amazing things. Your brother is going to have some tough days ahead….I pray we will never know this experience. Be strong, help him be strong. But IF the time does come where he needs to be at peace, respect whatever decisions be makes. Love never ends, it only changes energy.
…..And please, don’t roll your eyes at these suggestions and think I’m some tree-hugging hippy preaching love & peace. I’m your typical over-organized, high-stress, too long of a commute, 9 to 5er (or used to be some of these) who has come to know and appreciate alternative solutions.
Godbless and good luck.
In health,
Laurie P.