11.06.2007 - Treatment Plan

On 11.06.2007, we met with my new neurooncologist here and then met with a radiation oncologist. The pathology of the tumor has changed. They are classifying it as a grade four (most aggressive type) astrocytoma - often referred to as a glioblastoma multiforme. Astrocytomas are the most common form of brain tumor. My neurooncolgist has a very positive attitude and wants to aggressively treat it. He believes that cures for these situations are possible. Real world statistics aren't good, but we are going to fight this.

The treatment plan will involve simultaneous administration of chemotherapy and focused radiation therapy. Radiation therapy will involve 33 fractionated therapy sessions that are normally administered daily over the week days. Most of the chemotherapy will be orally administered and is generally well tolerated by the majority of patients who receive it. I will also receive a once a week IV infusion of another chemotherapy agent. The most significant side effect described will be increased fatigue as a result of all of it. Fatigue levels will get better after treatment. They will take a month off of treatment and then do follow-up MRI scans to see how the treatment went.

On 11.08.2007, I met with my neurosurgeon and he removed the staples from head. That was really nice to have done because I was finally able to take a full shower and wash my head since the surgical procedure.

On 11.09.2007, I had the pre-treatment planning CT and MRI scans done so that they can design the specific treatment plan for the focused radiation therapy. It was a long morning, but will enable the treatment to proceed now. They are anticipating treatment to begin in about ten days or so and then will involve the daily treatment sessions. The sessions will only take 20-30 minutes each day, so actual treatment - other than the once a week IV chemotherapy infusions - won't take too long, it will just be the daily grind of driving down to the hospital for the sessions on a daily basis.