"Blast" it all away, you Glio"blast"oma!

Hello again kind friends! Yesterday was a dark day filled with news we didn't want to hear. The doctor explained to us that my mom did indeed have a "Glioblastoma, multi-forme" which is a Grade 4 brain cancer. It is an aggressive cancer, so treatment will need to begin immediately. Treatment will not cure this type of cancer, as it typically grows back over time, but starting treatment early will prolong my mom's life for another year. Left untreated, her time would be measured in months. So, after many tears, conversations, and discussions with doctors, she has decided to proceed with the treatment options. Her hope is that we will have more time with her, and she with her grandkids, to form positive memories together while the cancer is being treated.

Treatment will entail 5 day a week radiation therapy, for 6 weeks. The radiation oncologist will "blast" all those cancer cells with a laser and rid her of as many as possible. She will also have daily chemotherapy for the entire 6 weeks. At that time, she will have 3 weeks off, and can perhaps return to her home in California to get her affairs in order, and make a decision about proceeding with the next round of treatment. With each round of treatment, she will have stronger doses of chemotherapy, which will keep the tumor cells from multiplying. She will stay with us during this radiation and chemotherapy time, and social workers, home health professionals, etc...will assist us with how best to care for her.

Again, your continued prayers and support are so welcome. I have read all your e-mails, and kind comments, and they bring both my mom, and myself such comfort. Thank you!