Matthew has been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer known as Glioblastoma multiforme or GMB. The surgery on February 12 led to the removal of a grade 4 glial mass from the cerebellum. Further imaging revealed two lesions located in the area of the temporal lobes. The two lesions will be treated first by radiation therapy, followed by chemotherapy. Radiation therapy will begin March 3 and continue for 6 weeks.
This type of tumor primarily affects adults, so the majority of statistical information on GMB is based on adult cases that typically are not diagnosed until the tumor is of a destructive size. Matthew’s case is extremely rare due to his age and the placement of the primary tumor, so most available statistics do not apply to his case. There are several positive aspects to his case: First, the surgery was very successful, and they were able to remove the initial tumor entirely. Second, because of the location of the original tumor, he developed symptoms quickly that generally are not present in cases of GMB, allowing doctors to intervene early. Finally, Matthew is young, so his body will be more responsive to the therapies, and he is able to recover more quickly than an adult. He is healing rapidly from surgery, surprising even his doctors with the speed of his recovery. He is strong willed and healthy, and he has great optimism that will help him through this treatment.
Good to read the positive aspects of Matthew's case.
AS, the site says they are working on setting up an online donation solution. Do you know how close they are to this?
I will pray for Matthew and his family and friends.
