John Collins
June 24, 1959-March 26, 2006

John was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme and Meningioma June 13, 2004.

Journal

Saturday, October 28, 2006 2:03 AM CDT

Welcome to John’s webpage which tells the story of his 21 month battle with brain cancer. John passed away on March 26, 2006. This page is being kept open to provide information for other warriors and caregivers. While there is not currently a cure for Glioblastoma Multiforme, John felt it important to participate in clinical trials in an effort to extend his life and provide research data for future people facing this disease.
John’s treatments included:
2 Craniotomies
Radiation
Stereotactic Radiation
Temodar
Cilengitde
Thioguanine/CCNU/Xeloda/Celebrex
Temodar/Hominex-2
Gleevec/Hydrea

A few of the more difficult complications he faced were:
Fluid in the ear canal following his first craniotomy and radiation
Meningitis following his second craniotomy
Sub-clinical seizures
Pneumonia

John was diagnosed just before his 45th birthday and just 3 months after having a complete physical which indicated excellent health. During his treatments he tried to maintain a normal life by continuing his work as a chemical engineer and getting outside for exercise. Part of the effort to keep things normal meant we did not fully reveal all the day to day struggles on the web journal. John did not want people feeling sorry for him. It was difficult for an intelligent and strong young man to accept limitations such as not being able to drive and requiring more rest. Each clinical trial brought new side effects to endure and of course the cancer itself brought ever changing symptoms.

Renee

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

MD Anderson-Brain and Spine Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030

Links:

E-mail Author: rscollins@q.com

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent. This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.