Glioblastoma multiforme: no longer an instant death sentence – a personal journey
Unless your life has been affected, you most likely don’t know what it is. One of the deadliest forms of cancer is brain cancer, and of these, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is known as the Terminator. With an average historical survival rate of about a year, with a 3-year survival rate at about 7%, it is no wonder that it was tagged with that nickname. Recent medical advances are beginning to catch up with many more “common” strains of cancer. Detected early enough, cancers that were once feared are responding to treatment, and with the combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, people have had reason to be optimistic that they really can hope for a cure. Better methods of diagnosis, treatment and understanding of the value of nutrition to stimulate the body’s immune system not only to prevent, but to help fight disease. These promising advancements, along with celebrities presenting their survival experiences and have carried on with their lives, provide people with hope and courage to deal with issues related to treatment and recovery.
With virtually no progress for some 30 years, the treatment of brain cancer, including GBM, which has been treated as a chronic disease, has seen remarkable progress recently. The surgical use, when possible, of certain chemotherapeutic drugs, in conjunction with radiostatic treatments, has resulted in a steady increase in the median survival rate and an improved quality of life during treatment.
I was diagnosed with GBM in June 2007. It was surgically resected (removed) almost immediately. After a wait of approximately 6 weeks (during which my neurosurgeon encouraged me to take a pre-scheduled vacation with my wife), I began a series of focused radiostatic treatments 5 days a week, for 42 treatments. This targeted treatment was preceded by a computer simulation and mapping program. Parallel to the treatments, I was prescribed Temodar, an oral chemotherapeutic. After the treatment ended, I continued Temodar 5 days a month for a year. Two and a half years later, there are no signs of the tumor. Attitude, my faith in God, the good fortune of being blessed with a capable medical team, and a support system of friends and family are part of the reason I am able to update this article today.
The latest advances have occurred in the area of specific treatment based on the chemical and material composition of each individual tumor. The good news is that progress is indeed being made and it seems that we can find a cure for this horrible disease in our lifetime.