I am a 46 yo female that originally found out about a brain mass in October of 2003. I was going thru a divorce and moving back to GA from TX so I put it on the back burner even thou I was told to follow up with Neurological care (my headaches had ceased). This past December I started having dizziness and feelings of faintness along with peripheral vision movements in my left eye.After about four days I couldn't deal with it any longer so I went to the hospital. They performed CT scans then transferred me to another hospital for a neurological consult. There they performed an MRI and the doctor suggested a needle biopsy which was performed on Jan 4th. I am on Decadron 4mg once a day. I haven't had any seizures and don't experience headaches either. I actually don't have any symptoms other than the occasional visual movments that cause dizziness. I have been told by all the doctors that I should not drive because of the possibility OF having a seizure. And for that reason I can not work. I haven't worked since the middle of December 06.

For the past week or two I've been experiencing cramps in my right foot which wake me at night. I have also been experiencing cramping in my right ring finger. Is this normal? But I understand normal is different for everyone. Could it be side effects from the steriod? My Neurologist seems to think it may be some type of seizure and wants to put me on Phenobarbital. With the tumor being on the right side of my brain it confuses me as to why the cramping is also on the right when everything should be happening on the left.

I am uninsured and have applied for Adult Medically Needy Medicaid and have been denied because I have also appled for SSD. SSD has also denied me so I have submitted an appeal. All of the Neurological test that they have received from the doctors I've seen say that I should be able to perform my job that I was trained for. My fear is having a dizzy spell and falling on a client during a massage.

Because of the area of the brain the tumor is in it is non-operable. I have gone to Medical College of GA for a second opinion and am waiting on their input on what I need to do treatment wise. My next appointment with them is Wednesday (4/25?07) with the NeuroOncologist. All of the doctors that I've seen (NeuroSurgeon, Oncologist, Oncologist/Radiologist, Neurologist) have been working with me due to my un-insured status. Cancer State Aide here in GA will provide for my treatment but the doctors will have to write off their services.

Sorry for such long windedness but I wanted to tell my whole story. Any input on financial support would be helpful. Right now my 19yo son is supporting me on a Wal-Mart salary. I am hoping my SSD appeal goes thru soon. It frustrates me that I paid into it for 25+ years and I'm having to suffer now.

I will say this, I am at peace with what I have because I've turned it over to the Lord. I am blessed to be able to experience my time with family and enjoying crafting, reading (I can go thru a book in a day or two depending on the size), quilting and most of all eating. LOL Steroids, round face, 25 pounds in 3 months.

I look forward to understanding what I'm going thru when I meet others like me.

Melani 

Hi Melani-

I am 26 yrs. old and was diagnosed with a high grade astroblastoma in Nov..  It was on my occiptal lobe, and right at the surface.  I am on the tail end of my treatments.  I had been on decadron alot the past few months.  I hated it!!!  I had a lot of soreness in my joints and legs.  There were many nights I would have to get out of bed and walk it off.  I also put on weight and felt like a balloon.  Decadron was one of the worst parts of having a brain tumor. 

Hopefully, you can get some kind of financial help.  I know the hospital I am going through said they is asstitance for those in need.  Have they ever discussed the option of radio surgery?  Since they can't operate this would at least kill the cells so it stops growing.  I know it is pricey but hopefully something will pull through and you get the best treatment. 

I am glad that you have made peace.  I am still struggling to do so.  Since my tumor is so rare I can't get any answers about recurrence or really what is the best treatment.  The whole tumor was removed with a couple of surgeries, so I am gald about that!  It is a struggle to go about a normal life and not wonder what is going on inside your body.  I hope things work out for you!

Lindsay

Hi I was just diagnosed this 2/08 with brain tumors if you are still out there please respond. 

Thanks

Teri