Hi, My mother age 60 yrs/F is diagnosed with Glioblastoma with Oligodendroglial component (GBMO) last year i.e. June 2013. From the 8th day of the first chemo cycle post 2nd surgery she has now issues in physical ability(she is unable to stand without support) and cognitive ability(dosent speak, only rarely answers and that to even in yes and no). Can you please let me know what might be the cause and what we need to do in order to improve her cognitive ability?
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Glioblastoma is a glial tumor and might be found in different forms. It is malignant and a nuroblastoma with Oligocene Chat Doctor.  It is a kind of cancer cell proliferation in the brain. Please share complete details like tumor size, location and pathological type if biopsy or surgery has been done. In many patients having a well differentiated nuroblastoma, chemotherapy and surgery gives good results. In patients with slightly higher grade, the treatment might also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Patient with lower grade nuroblastoma can make a near normal recovery. However, those with a higher grade need to be kept under close observation and pain relief. Since the primary tumor is in the brain, starting chemotherapy can shut down certain areas of brain and that is what has happened to your mother. The first intention is to treat the cancer tumor and then the doctors can concentrate on the cognitive areas. She requires being under close medical observation with repeat MRI scans as required. Please do not worry and pray for her complete recovery.