Home » Healthy Living

Brain Tumors -- Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Ranked #5,352 in Healthy Living, #93,532 overall | Donates to Michael's Way

A Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Brain Tumor Took My Dad

In March of 2006 my dad, Alan D. Traxler, was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumor. He was given 18 months to live. He made it 10.5 months from diagnosis. My dad died on January 11, 2007.

This lens is lovingly dedicated to his memory.

What is Glioblastoma Multiforme? It's A Kind Of Brain Tumor...

Also known as glioblastoma, astrocytoma grade IV, and grade IV astrocytoma, they are all the same tumor. Glioblastoma belongs to the 'astrocytomas' family of brain tumors. These tumors grow from astrocytes. Astrocytes are star-shaped cells of the brain that have a part in supporting normal brain tissue.

You can learn more about Glioblastoma Multiforme and many other types of brain tumors from The American Brain Tumor Association.

Characteristics Of A Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Brain Tumor

  • Most invasive type of glial tumor.
  • Commonly spreads to nearby tissue.
  • Grows rapidly.
  • May be composed of several different kinds of cells (i.e., astrocytes, oligodendrocytes).
  • May have evolved from a low-grade astrocytoma or an oligodendroglioma.
  • Common among men and women in their 50s-70s.
  • More common in men than women.
  • Accounts for 23 percent of all primary brain tumors.

Identifying A Brain Tumor

Identifying a brain tumor usually involves a neurological examination, brain scans, and/or an analysis of the brain tissue. Doctors use the diagnostic information to classify the tumor from the least aggressive (benign) to the most aggressive (malignant). In most cases, a brain tumor is named for the cell type of origin or its location in the brain. Identifying the type of tumor helps doctors determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

For information on symptoms of a brain tumor and common types of brain tumors visit The National Brain Tumor Society website.

Information obtained from The National Brain Tumor Society.

Blog Posts About GBM's

Mailbag: Do more on brain cancer
Twelve thousand to 14000 new cases of glioblastoma multiforme are diagnosed in the United States each year; less than 10 percent of newly diagnosed Glioblastoma patients survive 5 years. The average life expectancy is less than a year; about 2 percent ...
Novocure(TM) Certifies Eight Additional Clinical Centers of Excellence to ...
By June 1, a total of 15 clinical centers in the US will be certified to use the NovoTTF(TM)-100A System to treat patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). PORTSMOUTH, NH, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Novocure(TM), a commercial ...
Tiny Drugs, Bursts of Light
Researchers from Case Western University outlined a two stage process to treat an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme, using nanotechnology to destroy cancer cells. The first stage delivers a nano-meter sized drug that accumulates in ...
Vaccine Extends Survival in Recurrent Glioblastoma
May 3, 2012 (Miami, Florida) ? In a multicenter clinical trial of an autologous heat-shock protein-peptide vaccine, patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who received the vaccine survived longer than comparable historical control ...
Powered by Google

Brain Tumor Awareness Items From CafePress

Loading

Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition And The Journey Of Hope

When my dad fell ill to his brain tumor our family joined the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition for support and financial help with Dad's medical bills. They are a true Godsend! They paid for everything that the insurance wouldn't cover, and their shoulders were there to cry on when we (mostly Mom) needed it.

The only source of funds that the Coalition has is donations. They have many funraisers throughout the year. But the biggest fundraiser is the Journey Of Hope. 2009 was the best year yet for the event. Raising a total of $85,000 to help families in need.

Even though they have had a fantastic fundraising year, more is needed. The Coalition has grown from 12 members in 2001 to over 400 members in 2009! The funds do stay in the community, but there are also other brain tumor support groups out there. I'm sure there is one in or around your community as well!

2009 Journey of Hope a Huge Success!!

A message from David Bond, the President of the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition

"Thank you all for your hard work in making this year's Journey of Hope a huge success! We had a great day with beautiful weather and lots of fun.This year was a record for the Journey of Hope...over 1000 walkers! How we have grown!!! We raised over $85,000 this year. This money will be immediately put to good use helping those with financial needs related to the care for their brain tumor. Please know how impressed I am with you all, and thank you from all of us at the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition! Start early thisyear...let's make 2010 a new record! Thank you all again!" David Bond, President, Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition, Appleton, Wisconsin.
powered by Youtube

My Dad's Story

Coming Soon...

It's very hard to write about my dad's journey. I need to take many breaks from it. But it will be in this module very soon!

Brain Tumors And Cancer

We Need Your Help Raising Awareness!

Purchase one of these items to help spead the word.
Loading

New Technologies Abound!

Loading

Brain Tumor / Cancer Resources

American Brain Tumor Association
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) was the first national, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting brain tumor research, while offering information and support to brain tumor patients and their families.
National Brain Tumor Society
National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is a leader in the brain tumor community, bringing together the best of research and patient services to be a comprehensive resource for patients, families, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals.
Brain Tumor Trials and Treatments
The Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc is a 501(c)3 non- profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and survival times for brain tumor patients by using computer technology to streamline the flow of information, organize the brain tumor community and raise money for brain tumor research. The Virtual Trials website is maintained by the Musella Foundation For BrainTumor Research Information.
Cancer Care Inc.
CancerCare is a national nonprofit, 501 c(3) organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs-including counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help-are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge.
CaringBridge
CaringBridge® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit web service that connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery.
NeuroSpine Center of WI
The NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin is recognized as among the best in spine and brain care in the Midwest and is the acknowledged leader in spine and brain care in the region.
Social Security Disability (SSI)
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
National Cancer Institute
While we have much more to learn about this complex disease, our increased understanding of cancer at the genetic, molecular, and cellular levels is opening up enormous opportunities to interrupt the initiation and development of the disease.

Other Squidoo Lenses About Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Brain Tumors

Loading

Share Your Thoughts

  • Beautiful-Bridal Feb 1, 2011 @ 2:13 pm | delete
    I look forward to hearing more about your Dad when you feel like sharing. Very nice lens.
Show All

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Brain Tumors On Amazon

Loading

by

JodiTraxler

I love working online. It is second only to my family. I have many interests, from A - Z. As I explore my interests, I Squidoo! Do You?
My Grilled Chicken... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Related Tags