Bain TTumour

[DEN53]

My friend has just rang me to say her step daughter had a brain tumour removed last Friday - she had been suffering from headaches for 4 weeks. My friend is worried because the hospital said it will take a week to grow a culture of the tumour they removed and they won't confirm one way or other if it is benign or cancerous.

It was at the front of her head, which apparently is the best place to have one (if there is a best place !!) as there are less nerves to damage etc.

Her step daughter is 30 years old.

Any one had a similar experience ?

[sqad617]

Position is not important........presumably it was in a position that made it removable (operable) which is good news.

The imprtant thing is the result of the biopsy and type of tumour.

Theres is nothing more that you can do untill the result is to hand.

Be patient.

[tamborine]

Has anyone had an ECG (those photos) without a pea-sized thingy showing up?

[sqad617]

tambo.....eh?????

[tamborine]

precisely sqad....too many young complain of lumps or headaches; have an xray and a fatty tissue shows. (I dont know the name of the machine used) but all to often they're operated on.

That's why I ask how many have xrays after their complaints and shown as clear?

[CAJ1]

Hi DEN53

My boyfriends dad (48) had a tumour last year, his was at the very top of his spine and was pressing on his spinal cord slowly cutting off his nerves. He would have been paralysed and would then have died if he hadn't been operated on. His chances of coming out of surgery alive and without being paralysed (due to the complicated position it was in) was 20%. When they operated they found his tumour reached from one ear to another. His operation went better than anyone expected, he was not paralysed and his tumour was benign which was a blessing because it meant he didn't need chemotherapy. He was very weak for weeks afterwards and struggled to do much without becoming very tired. Nearly a year on, he is back at work and getting better by the day. His case was rare, apparantly only 1 in 100,000 people get one like his.

I know it can seem scarey when you hear the words brain tumour, I know all sorts went through our heads, but as sqad617 says you need to be patient. No amount of worrying will change the outcome. Even if the tumour is cancerous, it is quite possible it can be treatable. I know not every person is the same but bear in mind it may take her some time to get back on her feet and back to her usual self. I think that was the thing that took us by suprise was how long full recovery took. Just remind your friend it is probably best that they take their time and fully examine the growth therefore giving an accurate response rather than rushing and missing something vital.

I hope this helps

[DEN53]

Thank you for your response CAJ1 - I am glad your boyfriend's Dad is doing really well. Yes, you are right, when you hear the word 'brain tumour' it scares the hell out of you, I have reassured my friend, but obviously it is going to be a very long week !

The hospital have said she can go home if she feels well and return end of next week for the result.



Thanks sqad 617 for your response aswell.

[cymruambyth1]

DEN53, my brother had a stroke when he was 23 (he is now 29) and they found after doing many scans that he had a brain tumour. Like everyone else says, you hear the word tumour and you freak out. My brother's tumour couldnt be removed as it was too entangled, but his wasnt cancerous. So try not to worry as CAJ said, even if it is cancerous, brain surgery these days is so advanced it is amazing.

With my brother's tumour he had to have an operation while he was awake and they inserted a radioactive chip into the tumour, which is left in for 28 days, which shrinks the tumour, and then the chip is taken out. He has scans every 9 months, and in 5-6 years the tumour hasnt grown at all.

So stay positive and support your friend all you can. You can find it is usually more difficult for the loved ones than it is than the actual person with the tumour!

XX

[DEN53]

Hi cymruambyth1 - Thanks for your answer - I have watched those brain operations on TV when they keep the patient awake - glad your brother is fine now.

My friend is trying to stay positive, and hopefully the news next week will be good.

Thanks again
Denise