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Astrocytoma

  • Monday, 30 November 2009 00:15
  • Last Updated Sunday, 06 January 2013 19:01

Over the past few weeks we have trawled the internet to bring you details of current blogs about brain tumours. Each blog is written by someone affected by a Brain Tumour and provides insights into what it is like living from day to day.

Below are details of all our 'BT Blog Buddies' with an Astrocytoma:

Liz
Name: Liz

Type of Brain Tumor: Astrocytoma ( Glioma)

Grade of Tumor: 2

Bio: In September 2008 Liz was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma at age 29. She has endured two brain surgeries, been diagnosed with Epilepsy, and has had to re-learn how to walk and balance. For treatment Liz takes the Chemotherapy pill Temodar, and will probably be on the drug for the rest of her life. Liz went back to work in the fall of 2009 as a Web and graphic designer. She volunteers as a peer counselor for the National Brain Tumor Society in the United States.

Blog Name: The Liz Army

Name: Heather Roberts

Type of Brain Tumour: anaplastic astrocytoma

Grade of Brain Tumour: 3

A little about you: Heather (now 32) was diagnosed with brain Cancer Grade 3: Anaplastic Astrocytoma in April 2008; and on April 24, 2008, she had her first of two surgeries to retract her tumor; her second surgery was June 12, 2008. Even though both surgeries were considered successful, the entire tumor could not be retracted. She completed 6 weeks of radiation with low dose Temador and then completed 11 months of high dose Temador.  After 11 months, her body said, “No more!” Her left side shows some deficit, but she is able to work and lead a mostly normal life.  She now travels to the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF) to see Dr. Susan Chang every four months for her check-ups. She will be closely monitored for any changes for the rest of her life.  The past three years have brought many challenges: Heather lost a grandfather (2009) and a grandmother (2010).  Her 3-1/2 year relationship with her fiancée ended as her grandmother’s health was declining, and she was forced to call off her wedding in 2010.  Then later that year, she was diagnosed with Graves disease, which is now under control.  However, through all of this, Heather remains upbeat, positive, and thankful for so much. 

Blog name: Heather’s Journey

Blog link: leapforacure.org

Picture: Heather is in the middle.  Her two sisters, Michele (L) and Amy (R) stand with her.

Name: Jennifer K. Giliberto

Type of Brain Tumour: An Infultrating Grade II Astrocytoma was removed from my right Temporal Lobe

Bio: Wife to Paul and mother to three children and three rescue dogs. I’m also an advocate, volunteer and Domestic Goddess (I jest) of everything in-between in a place I fondly refer to as “crazyland”.

Oh, yeah… there’s this: I’ve got a brain tumor. Well, let’s be honest…shit happens and it could be worse.

Blog name: Grey Matter Life

Blog link: www.greymatterlife.com

More blogs coming soon!

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