Brain Tumor Stats/ Treatment

I feel like this post is important to update everyone and give out little information about my diagnoisis and why treatment is necessary. I've listed a few "stats" about my tumor:

Brain Tumor Stats:

Tumor type: Glioma Grade: 3 , Anaplastic Astrocytoma (my tumor is pretty rare!) Age at diagnosis: 23 Surgeries: craniotomy 1 (February 23th 2015) Treatment: 6 weeks of radiation Monday-Friday combined with 42 days of chemotherapy (Temodar) Anti-nausea meds: Zofran (5 mg) Anti-seizure meds: Keppra (500 mg)

Chemotherapy: Temodar (120 mg) Current Status: Treatment Started (March 30th 2015)

As I've stated in the stats, "George" was diagnosed as an Anaplastic Astrocytoma grade 3, which basically means that my tumor contained mixed cells with tentacle projections that can spread into the surrounding parts of my brain and blend and mesh into surrounding tissue making it harder to remove. AA3 tumors tend to grow at a faster pace than lower grade tumors, which means aggressive treatment is required (at least that’s how I view it). Luckily, Dr. Barnett (my neurosurgeon) removed practically all of my tumor; however, that doesn’t mean the work is done. Yes, George has been removed, but there’s still cells that have gone crazy & could still be lingering that could form another tumor (which is what we don’t want). Which leads me to my treatment.

Treamtment:

I’ve decided to take the most aggressive approach by completing both radiation and chemotherapy at the same time. Will it make me tired, sick and cause me to have short term memory loss? It could, but I’d rather be tired & sick for 6 weeks than not be here at all. As for short term memory loss, IF it does happen I can always write stuff down and it won’t change who I am. Most may be wondering, if the stakes are higher when it comes to side effects then why take the risk? I have a few reasons, 1. I trust God FULLY! 2. I’m a risk taker 3. Ultimately, I know there’s a higher chance another tumor could grow, and taking just radiation or delaying chemo because I’m afraid isn't path I'm willing to take.

For more information about Anaplastic Astrocytoma:

http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/astrocytoma.html

Still have questions? Do you want to send me advice or encouraging words? Need someone to talk to? Email me at JustShala@outlook.com

#Diagnosis #anaplasticastrocytoma #treatment #braintumor #AA3