Medulloblastoma Stage IV: A Family's Heartbreaking Journey

Medulloblastoma Stage IV

My sister was being treated for a brain tumor at the hospital.
After a biopsy, she underwent an emergency surgery for hydrocephalus drainage, and the biopsy revealed a fourth-stage medulloblastoma.
The doctors said it was a curable brain tumor, so we held onto hope.
My sister's treatment plan included 17 sessions of radiation therapy and 6 sessions of chemotherapy.
However, during the countdown to her third-to-last radiation session, she experienced an incident of hypoxia and passed away due to brain death.
We are struggling to accept this tragedy.

On the day of radiation, my sister vomited in the morning.
The scheduled radiation time was in the morning, but we changed it to the afternoon.
Coincidentally, that day was also her consultation day.
When we pushed her to the radiation room in the afternoon, she seemed normal until just before being transferred to the radiation table, when her face suddenly turned red, and tears appeared as if she was crying.
The radiation therapist noticed this and said she was not suitable for radiation that day and should be returned to her hospital bed.
As we prepared to take her back, the therapist asked us to wait for the hospital transport staff to arrive.
The waiting time felt very long, and my sister's face changed from red to purple.

Since her ward was in another building and required two elevator rides, we sensed something was wrong and decided to ask the radiation doctor on the first floor for help.
The doctor said she still had a pulse, but the nurse noted her blood pressure was very low and advised us to return her to the ward.
While in the elevator, her nails had already turned purple, and by the time we returned to the ward, she had no heartbeat.

We are in deep pain and asked the attending physician if it was due to mucus obstruction.
The doctor said they could not determine the cause since they were not present.
I know that pursuing the reason will not bring my sister back, but I am left wondering what happened that day.
We are troubled by this and hope to receive some answers.
We would be immensely grateful.

susan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/19

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

Based on your description, it could be a respiratory obstruction, but to be honest, I don't know the exact cause.
We can only determine what happened on-site.

Reply Date: 2016/08/19

More Info

I'm truly sorry to hear about your sister's heartbreaking journey with medulloblastoma. The loss of a loved one, especially under such tragic circumstances, is incredibly difficult to process. Medulloblastoma, particularly in its advanced stages like Stage IV, poses significant challenges, and the treatment process can be fraught with complications.

Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor that primarily affects children, though it can occur in adults as well. It originates in the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance. Stage IV indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the brain and spinal cord, making it more aggressive and harder to treat. The standard treatment often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, aimed at removing the tumor and preventing its recurrence.

In your sister's case, it seems that she underwent a series of treatments, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which are common approaches for managing medulloblastoma. The fact that she experienced a medical emergency during her treatment, leading to her tragic passing, raises several questions about the care she received.

The symptoms you described, such as vomiting and the sudden change in her condition during the radiation therapy session, could indicate a range of complications. These might include increased intracranial pressure, a reaction to the treatment, or even a sudden deterioration in her overall health due to the aggressive nature of the cancer. The medical team’s decision to postpone the radiation treatment when they observed her distress was likely a precautionary measure, but the delay in transferring her back to her room may have contributed to the unfortunate outcome.

It's understandable to seek answers in such a painful situation. While it's difficult to determine the exact cause of her sudden decline without a thorough investigation, it’s essential to communicate your concerns with her medical team. They can provide insights into what might have happened and whether there were any signs that could have indicated a need for immediate intervention.

In the aftermath of such a loss, it’s crucial to allow yourself and your family to grieve. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional counselors can be beneficial. Many hospitals also offer bereavement services that can help families cope with the loss of a loved one.

While no words can truly ease the pain of losing your sister, understanding the complexities of her condition and the treatment she received may help you find some closure. Remember that it’s okay to ask questions and seek clarity about her care, as this can be an essential part of the healing process. Your sister's journey, though tragic, can also serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and support for those facing similar battles.

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