Drew - Diagnosed in 2004 with GBM IV

In April of 2004 at the age of 4 years old Drew was diagnosed with a highly aggressive, adult brain Tumor, rarely seen in children. The name of this beast is a Glioblastoma Multiforme. We were told to go home and enjoy our time of 5 – 12 months. We were devastated.

On April 22, 2004, Drew was diagnosed with brain Cancer. His first surgery removed 98% of the tumor. The deficits were minimal. His right arm and leg were weak and he had less movement control. He would drag his right leg and was no longer able to write with his right hand. The limbs got better in time, but have not fully recovered Drew has learned how to use his left hand with his right hand as assistance.

Drew was entered into a phase III clinical trial. The trial included surgery, radiation and Chemotherapy (Temodar). He handled these treatments fairly well. The pain and Nausea were kept under control with medication. His blood counts were low but never low enough for a blood transfusion.

On April 26, 2005, Drew completed the last round of chemo required for the clinical trial. As of, May 23, 2005, Drew has completed the treatment portion of the clinical trial. The MRI’s have shown no evidence of disease.

In April 2007, Drew started presenting symptoms of tumor recurrence. He complained of headaches and would vomit, occasionally. An emergency MRI was performed. It showed a new area of concern. This area was not in the tumor bed and it was not in the form of a mass, but more like a coating. After much deliberation, it was decided that the area was probably radiation Necrosis (damage from the radiation). The most promising options were steroids (Decadron) and Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments.

Drew completed 60 Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments on July 3, 2007. Drew’s right hand and leg/foot showed massive improvement. Both had almost normal control and mobility. The MRI on July 5 showed great improvement in the area of concern. Drew was off the steroids and no longer experiencing symptoms.

A routine MRI on October 1, 2007 showed a new tumor in the original tumor bed. Due to location, Drew was not experiencing any symptoms. After much discussion and a second opinion, Drew had a follow up MRI on October 15. The tumor had nearly tripled in size. Drew was scheduled for surgery on October 31, 2007.

Drew’s surgery went well. The same surgeon that performed the first Craniotomy performed the second surgery at VCU Health Systems in Richmond, VA. The tumor was completely removed. The surgeon placed 3 Gliadel Wafers in the tumor bed. The pathology confirmed it was, again, Glioblastoma Multiforme.

There are very few treatment options with promising results available. So, Drew started chemotherapy, (Temodar) in December. The only effects of the tumor and surgery have been that his right hand and foot are more difficult for him to use. His last MRI on October 8, 2008 showed no evidence of disease.

Drew is in the 2^nd grade and has some difficulties with school. He works hard and overcomes most issues with assistance. Drew continues to take a large amount of supplements and is on an organic diet. He has recovered well from his last surgery and is doing most things that normal 8 year old boys do. Because of the continued chemotherapy, he is more susceptible to illnesses. As his parents, we are committed to find a cure for this horrid disease. Won’t you join us in our crusade?

www.caringbridge.org/va/drewb

www.caringbridge.org/visit/drewb