Brain Tumor Info

J.,

First find out what type of tumor that your Mom has... then you'll know what to do as far as research and planning for her treatment. I had a pituitary tumor in college that was benign. My Mom wanted it removed all the same... The surgery was smooth, I had it done at Emory Hospital. The recovery was smooth and I later went on to get a Bachelor's and Master Degree in Engineering. I keep in contact with my endocrinologist to ensure that my harmone levels are regulated... For me, life after surgery is fine... I take harmone medication, but nothing terribly big. I'm blessed and I pray that your family's experience will be similar to my own. For now, stay calm and then react once you have more information. Take care and I hope this is helpful.

First off find out what type of brain tumor she has then do some research online to get a better understanding of the illness. My mother was diagnosed with glioblastoma stage IV in March of 2008. The doctor's gave her 12 months to live. It is now August 2009 and the doctor's say the tumor is shrinking and the MRI looks good. Of course she has seizures and mood swings but over all she seems to be fine. She changed her eating habits and she takes a lot of medication but it has been almost 17 months and the doctor's are amazed.

I don't have any first hand knowledge of this issue. My husband, when he was a teenager had an AVM on his brain. By the time he was 18 he already had 3 brain surgeries. He is now a firefighter and an EMT, I couldnt be any prouder of him.
I'm sorry to hear that your mom is going thru this. I'll keep my fingers crossed and wish her nothing but good luck and say a prayer.

The good news is that Atlanta has some excellent brain surgeons at Emory with lots of experience. May God protect and uplift you and your mom.

Hi J. B.

I am sorry to learn that your mother has a primary brain tumor. I would assume since you are 39 years old she is probably about my age (64). My younger son was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor - oligodendroglioma 6 years ago about 2 weeks after his 30th birthday. He had both surgery and radiation as treatment. He is doing well - still working. He does have several after effects of radiation. He has a constant headache, both his pituitary and thyroid glands no longer function (those are the main ones).
This will be a "roller coaster" - some news will be encouraging and others will not. Some brain tumors are quite aggressive - others are not.
My hope for your family is that her mother's brain tumor is benign.
My son is being treated by doctors at Emory Hospital in Atlanta.
Take care.
S.