CancerCompass message board discussion started by Smilie on 5/9/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23897,0.htm Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ We're looking for feedback on anyone's experiences with radiosurgery.  My mom(59yo)  had a promising resection 10/07 Lt. parietal lobe plum-size GBM, followed by rad/Temodar; has fit in 2 rounds of Temodar since then (in between low platelets/neutrophils).  There were 2 new areas less than 6-8mm of new growth separate from the surgical bed.  This was treated with radiosurgery this past Tues.  She seemed fine until noon the next day when she had right-sided seizures. It finally got in control after pushing 4mg Ativan, IV anti-seizure med & some Decadron.  She continues to have "after-shock" seizures which seem worse anytime she tries to do anything - she looks like a Parkinson's case and is a full assist in getting around the house/showering, etc.  She's had a 2 day dose of oral steroid dose-pack and currently the neuro is having me orally bolus her with oral Dilantin 600mg today(normally 300mg & has been seizure free until now) (she really does not want to go back to the hospital for IV's).  She's looking for encouraging words that hopefully this will get better.   Thanks - Nikki Smilie Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sorry to hear about your Mom's recurrence. Seizures are not uncommon, maybe 20% of the time with stereotactic radiotherapy such as GK. It mainly depends on the area of the brain irradiated as well. Did you go to UCSF or an other Center. Who was the surgeon. McDermott? Most likely the seizures go away or lesen with time. The real question is one you did not ask. GK will shrink of th recurrence, but probably not eradicate it (it WON'T). It WILL come back. What are you going to do next?I suggest you get a 2d 3rd, 4th opinion and get a surgeon who will try for a curative resection.Your Mom has the GBM on the run, temporarily. Most GBM's recur with 2 cm of the original tumor. Sounds like your surgeon damn near got it all the first time--try again and your Mom may live. Otherwise, it will be back and it probably won't respond to additional GK  so your options, as they say are limited.But get the latest stats from the nbeurosurgeon who did the GK. Ask him what is the chance for a cure from the GK alone (I guarantee the rate is abysmally low). Another resection is your Mom's only chance. Jimsbro Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT