[corkoman]

With glioblastoma the tumor grows at a steady pace. The human cranuim is a fixed space - no room for extra tissue - so as the tumor grows it forces brain tissue out the only "hole" up there and that is the brainstem. The pressurized neural tissues cause havoc with loss of motor and sensory capability. Along with growing tissue is the inflammation caused by the body fighting the cancer - this causes more swelling so Heavy doses of corticosteroids are given. That makes the patient swell up - huge.

So along with the pain and agony so goes brain function until the patient can no longer reason yet there remains some cognitive ability. It may take a month from the time of the patients last whispered "I Love You" until death. During that time most institutions implement intensive efforts to preserve "life"

This is my definition of hell. For patients who know this process and must anticipate these stages the question of how you want to leave this world is not trivial.

And I pray to God that this coward never has to face such a challenge.

[Toespi]

Our family lost our amazing Kim to a glioblast. She was everything to me, my niece like a sister and best friend. She lived fifteen months after diagnosis. When she was first diagnosed, knowing it was terminal, she said, “ I can not wait to meet my Lord, this is exciting because I know he is calling me home for another purpose greater than life”. She meant it and she was at peace during the entire process, mostly smiling . She had very little pain or at least she acted pain free. Her endurance, faith and love was a testament to anyone who knew her, she showed us the way not only in life but in her death. Brittany Maynard is deciding to use her fifteen minutes of fame and then there won’t be much to remember of her except.....