exit visit with Dr. Martin

We had our last appointment with Dr. Martin 01/23/06; however, he was again called to surgery and we didn't end up actually getting to talk to him. We did speak with Jennifer Varma, the nurse practioner. We had some of our questions answered, but many were not. We currently have an email in to get these other questions answered to Dr. Martin or will possible schedule a phone call. Here's the latest...

They gave us a full report of the operation and pathology reports, etc from surgery.
Mark is just now starting to be able to type a bit better. Dialing phone is pretty good now.

What part of tumor was growing? Necrosis part or full tumor itself? Usually full tumor itself, but it could've been both, would need to get this info from pathology.

Since we now know it is a GBM, do you think it was detrimental that we waited for surgery? Normal amount of time.

Still have trouble sequencing and getting words out sometimes...is this permanent, evidence that there is still something there? It is evidence that he had surgery and you abilities may come back. Full recovery can take up to 18 months.

Can I resume driving? Yes, but keep an eye on how you're feeling.

When can I resume contact sports (i.e. hockey)? Will I ever be able to play again? Not advisable for now.

How about a running sport (i.e. ultimate Frisbee)? Running is OK, but start at jogging, shouldn't do sprinting for now pr anything that gets you all worked up. You need to work up to it.

When can I resume strenuous activity (i.e. weight lifting)? Not advisable for now, definitely wait until after radiation/chemo and healing begins. Light lifting OK, with high repetitions.

What is considered our date of diagnosis? Date on pathology report 12/23/06

Is there a period of time that you typically see regrowth? Just depends.

Do you have other patients in our age range that are still surviving with GBM? Dr. Martin will talk to their surviving patients and pass our contact info.

If it comes back, since we're now having radiation, would a form of brachtherapy be relavant? Dr. Martin doesn't do this procedures, but Dr. DeSalles and Dr. Selch (and two others) could.

Is this our last visit with you? Yes unless there are more surgical issues.

Questions about how plate is actually connected? Titanium plate (more like a mesh) is a bit bigger than bone and screwed into existing bone