Has anyone had a tumor in the brainstem?
First of all, I’m very sorry for your illness, particularly with a young child at home. I’m attaching a link that addresses various brain tumors and the prognosis. This tumor is usually one that affects young children. The adult form is much rarer. Brainstem glioma diffusely infiltrates and expands the brainstem. It is precisely this swelling and infiltration that causes the wide variety of symptoms you experienced. From your description and confirmed by some doctors opinions, this does sound like at least a Grade 3 tumor and possibly Grade 4. Most people with this particular tumor and Grade level are not surgical candidates. Biopsy of the brainstem is very dangerous and is generally avoided. The data suggests a life expectancy with a Grade 3 of 2 to 3 years. With Grade 4, it drops to 12 to 15 months.
