Can a second removal of a brain tumour be possible ? could it safe some ones lif!
Question: a family member in the states had a tumour on the brain succesfully removed in 2006
during the last month he has suffered severe headaches and occasional loss of memory.
after being admitted to hospital following heavy vomiting a mri scan was carried out which revealed the growth had come back.
doctors said they can not operate again but can simply provide radio therapy to extend his life for just a matter of months or so....is this right ?
can something be done ?
maybe treatment in another country ?
how long could he live on radio therapy ?
what are the options if any ?
Answers: a family member in the states had a tumour on the brain succesfully removed in 2006
during the last month he has suffered severe headaches and occasional loss of memory.
after being admitted to hospital following heavy vomiting a mri scan was carried out which revealed the growth had come back.
doctors said they can not operate again but can simply provide radio therapy to extend his life for just a matter of months or so....is this right ?
can something be done ?
maybe treatment in another country ?
how long could he live on radio therapy ?
what are the options if any ?
It depends on what type of tumour it is, whether its a primary brain tumour or a tumor that has travelled from another part of the body, or where the tumor is located.
It sounds like it might be a Glioblastoma tumor and unfortunately there is no cure for that. Radiation might slow it down a bit and they usually do 5-6 weeks of radiation, 5 treatments per week and that can be followed by chemotherapy.
Glioblastoma tumours are different from other tumours in that they grow like a cobweb throughout the brain and when in an active growth period, they can double their size in 10 days.
It would be a waste of time and money to travel to other countries looking for a cure. At the end of the day, you would exhaust your finances, possibly end up in debt that will take years to repay and the person will die anyway.
Dexemethasone or Decadron which is a steroid they use to reduce inflammation in the brain tissue surrounding the tumour usually helps make them more comfortable. They may give Stemetil or something similar orally or by injection to settle his stomach.
Unfortunately, your options are very limited. The best thing you can do is enjoy the time you have left with them.
there are lots of factors , like the position of the tumour , the size , and how its attached to the surrounding tissue , the doctors would try if there was any possibility of a successful removal
I am sure the very best treatment will be available in America. Most people from other countries go there for specialist help when all else is failing. My mother had radiotherapy for lung cancer and it only gave her a few more months. It was cruel to watch her feeling better only to have things revert to the original state. The patient is the only one who can decide what is right for them.