My 44-year-old husband was diagnosed with a 5.5 cm. GBM in his right temporal lobe 7/7/11. He had a 99% resection done 7/12/11, followed by 6 weeks of radiation & Temodar. He completed 8 rounds of the 5/28 Temodar schedule. His MGMT gene is unmethylated. We live far from large hospitals, but are receiving excellent care. He is amazing and courageous. My hero.
3/8/12 Finished 8th round of Temodar
4/18/12 MRI shows possible recurrence deep in brain. NS says it is highly risky to operate. Urges additional try at chemo. Oncologist rules out Temodar and opts to wait until spot shows signs of not being necrosis or edema.
5/21/12 Radiologist and Neurosurgeon disagree about growth.
7/11/12 MRI shows distinct growth. Surgery possible but very risky. Awaiting chemo advice.
7/18/12 Oncologist suggests Avastin & Irinotecan. Hubby is undecided on start date due to 2 bucket list trips.
8/2/12 Profound headaches. Two days later he is in ER with vomiting accompanying headaches. Stronger meds don't work.
Then put him on decadron. Responds well.
8/13/12 and 8/28/12 husband takes Avastin & Irinotecan. Knocks him out (sleeping almost all day.) Has almost every side effect listed except death. Discontinues chemo, opts to let disease run course.
9/4/12 Enlists hospice care.
10/30/12 Admitted to hospital with uncontollable nausea and vomiting.
11/1/12 Admitted to in-patient hospice center.
11/20/12 Died peacefully.