Through having a website, we sure get a lot of emails. Some are straight to the trash, while others are true questions that visitors have about the brain or brain tumors. In order to help more visitors, we will be adding a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page to the site. As we receive more questions, we will let you know each quarter of any additions to the FAQ page.
Here are some of our initial questions. All are answered in collaboration with Dr. Arnold Etame.
I have a question about GBM – I’m in my 18 months after surgery. My feet are starting to get swollen, as well as my lips. I will be calling my doctor for information. I am still a little slow after the surgery. My doctor told me that I am cancer-free about a month and a half ago. I am now at the watch level.
Thank you very much for the message. Swelling in your feet can happen due to a blood clot or sometimes from steroids. Blood clots are very common in cancer patients. The best way to assess is to have your doctor examine you and make a determination. Ultrasound evaluation of your legs could identify any potential blood clots. If present, treatment with blood thinners could prevent worsening of the clots or advancement of the clot to your lungs.
It is very reassuring that you have been cancer-free for 18 months. You should remain spirited and continue to maintain your positive attitude. Your courage and grace in the face of this illness inspires us all.
I’ve been searching everywhere to get a little bit of knowledge of what’s been going on. I do not know if a neurologist is the right person to talk to, but I have always had a hard time speaking clearly and correctly speaking what is on my mind. I have also always had a problem processing things. It has been confusing me because I am only 13 and most websites say that it comes with age. I know I don’t have dyslexia or any disorder. But it would help so much if you could share some insights on what could possibly help me, or what could be happening.
The best starting point would be to see a neurologist to evaluate your speech/language. Based on the initial evaluation, the neurologist might consider obtaining imaging studies such as an MRI of the brain to rule out a structural cause for your speech/language difficulties. If the MRI is otherwise normal, then further referral for speech therapy can be considered.
My son had what looked like a stroke on his left side. Loss of use and numb. He regained all use but still has numbness in his little finger. They found 7 brain lesions. A year later 25. They thought he had MS. Tests showed nothing. They have no idea why he has these lesions. Is there a specific vitamin complex or program he can follow to heal his brain? He eats very healthy with moderate exercise.
Thank you very much for reaching out. I am very sorry to learn about your son’s illness. It is very reassuring that his function is almost completely close to baseline other than some numbness in the fingers. It is possible that the brain lesions were inflammatory in nature as opposed to tumor, especially since his symptoms improved significantly. Spinal imaging and spinal fluid assessment are an important part of the medical work-up. With respect to residual numbness, the B vitamins can sometimes help. For B vitamins, one could consider Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B12. Both vitamins are part of the B-12 vitamin complex. Another supplement that has been shown to improve numbness or pain from neuropathy especially in diabetics is acetyl-L-carnitine. Lastly, foods rich in B vitamins can help – mostly vegetables, eggs, meat, and fish. Healthy eating and exercise are always beneficial. Hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us with a question you may have below in comments or at our Contact page.