brain tumors - GBM

[Mooselady]

I know this is a lab forum but need to pick your brains. No pun intended. A family member has been diagnosed with a brain tumor known as glioblastoma multiforma or GBM. This is a fast growing, evil tumor that is usually fatal within a few months of diagnosis. My question relates to post-op complications. "BC" had emergency surgery 5 days ago, initially awoke and was alert and oriented but within 24 hours was unresponsive, needing a vent to breathe and had severe swelling in his skull. They are giving multiple drugs to decrease the swelling but he is not making much improvement. If any of you have had experience with this type of tumor please share with me. I am a nurse (have been for 29 years but don't have a lot of neuro experience) so understand the prognosis is poor. I am just looking for others for more understanding of this mess. Thanks!

[Charla]

I can't offer you any information....I just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear about your family member.

[TangerineFizz]

Very sorry to hear about your family member. No experience here with those type of tumours, but my brother had an arachnoid tumour in his brain at one time.

Good thoughts for this person and your family.

[bearsmomma]

So very sorry to hear about your family memeber. (((hugs)))

My boss' nephew has a brain tumor. I think I have posted about him here before. He is only 14. I dont think there has been a day in the last 4 years I havent walked in the office and asked about him. We have done alot of fundraising for PBTF and I know alot about whats going on with him. PM if you want.

[Emma the Lab]

I just wanna say I'm so sorry to hear about your familymember Good thoughts on the way.

[Galadriel]

I'm very sorry. I lost my paternai grandmother to a glioblastoma within 2 months of diagnosis. The pastor who married Ron and I, his mother had a GBM that was successfully removed but came back a year later, and she is on her way to be with God shortly.

Again, I'm so sorry. Glioblastomas are nearly impossible to recover from and usually inoperable.

[Taffys Mom]

No info - but wanted to say I'm sorry and send {{{{{hugs}}}}}

[WeHeartLabs]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My BIL didnt have a tumor, but did have brain surgery for an embolism which thank God they got before it was too late. He also woke up after and then because of swelling, the doctors decided to place him in a drug-induced coma, to let the brain rest and the swelling go down. He too was on the ventilator during this time period with monitors, probes, going right into the brain to measure the pressures. After about 3-4 days, they brought him out of it.
Sending lots of prayers for your relative.

[Dawson Creek Girl]

I am sorry to hear your news! I know exactly what you are talking about. My MIL was diagnosed with the same 'condition' in September 2004. She underwent surgery days later in BC and the dr gave her between 4-6 months to live. She wouldn't give up and hung in for the full 6 months.
It is heart wrenching to see the changes that happen so quickly! Life is really unfair at times. Please know I'm here for you anytime!!
Hugs!!

[MidwestGirl]

I can't help with advice either, but just wanted to let you know I am sending good thoughts and prayers.