Medical information

Margaret has a glioblastoma multiforme grade IV, the most aggressive of brain tumours - diagnosis in April 2000, debulking craniotomy 3 May 2000;  conventional radiotherapy (30Gy) June-July 2000; Chinese herbal remedies since June 2000;  gamma knife stereotactic radiotherapy in Guangzhou 2 September 2000;
second debulking craniotomy 6 November 2000; thalidomide nightly since 21 November 2000;  temozolomide 5 days in every 28 since 18 December - for up to date details, click on NEWS above.

Margaret had headaches and weariness and some muddleheadedness in April 2000, triggering the initial MRI scan on 28 April, and rush to neurosurgery on 3 May. Thereafter, we were in a queue for radiotherapy in Canberra, with no information on other possible treatments. Research on the internet suggested however, that there may be drug treatments available that should be explored in Sydney; we went there at the end of May, and Margaret became a patient of the Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group (SNOG), initially with Adjunct Professor Yuille, radiation oncologist, then of Dr Helen Wheeler, one of very few neuro-oncologists in Australia, then, in a rush decision to deal with a major problem at the end of October, Dr Raymond Cook, neurosurgeon. Treatment by Dr Wheeler continues in 2001.

Dr Wheeler addressed the first meeting of a brain tumour support group established by SNOG in February 2001. Notes on this presentation on treatment options for brain tumour, are here.

Dr Wheeler's presentation provides an overview of the conventional aspects of Margaret's treatment.

Margaret's history in scans can be found here. Margaret's use of medications and results of blood tests are here - as is also some information on herbal and mineral supplements. Margaret's use of Chinese herbal medicine is set out here. There is detail on the radiotherapy treatment under 'Sydney Treatment' above. And an account of travel to China for treatment is under 'China' - that also contains some detailed early history, and a lot of information on the gamma knife treatment.

For information on the Australian Internet Brain Tumour Discussion Group, established in November 2000, click here. The group provides a lot of support and a lot of useful information is exchanged.