I am new to this - I have never chatted on a forum before, but I here I go. I was diagnosed with an astrocytoma stage 1, ten years ago. I had a biopsy (too deeply embedded to remove the tumor). I had radiation treatment which showed very good results and the tumor growth stayed under control for around 4 years. It showed some signs of growth, so I went on an oral chemo - themodol (5 days a week) for about 16 months. Tolerated it very well and once again things were controlled. About 2 years later however, some growth appeared again, so I went on a new regime of temodol (lower dose, everyday) for 15 months. My lymphyocytes took a hard hit and dropped really low - had to go on an antibiotic as a preventive measure - had to see an infectious diseases doctor to find an antibiotic I could tolerate. Started to grow again. Changed to a new chemo called etoposide. It messed up my blood counts continuously. After two months, my tumor had grown again. Then decided to try tamoxifen. Tolerated it very well - besides a couple of headaches when I first started taking it, it was a very easy drug to take. However, after two months, there were sections of my MRI that had doubled in size. This drug wasn't working for me. I am now on another oral chemo called CCNU. Just started it a few days ago.

IF ANYONE KNOWS OF ANY ALTERNATIVE CANCER CLINICS OR JUST CANCER CLINICS THAT HAVE EXCELLENT REPUTATIONS FOR PRODUCING GREAT RESULTS I WOULD BE SO THANKFUL TO HEAR ABOUT THESE PLACES!!!!

My heart goes out to all of you that have been touched by this dis-ease. Somedays I just want to throw in the towel, but I have to believe and have faith that just around the corner, the greatest drug in the world could be waiting for me.

God bless,
Frustrated Femke