Recently, one Nepali couple, Bibek Pangeni and Crzana Subedi, has moved millions of hearts with their love and strength to overcome the biggest odds. Bibek was a PhD student in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Georgia. He lost the battle to third-stage Glioma, a type of brain tumor that was diagnosed in 2022. Despite all their attempts and numerous requests from millions of people all over the world, Bibek unfortunately died leaving behind inspiration and courage.
Moreover, Crzana became a figure of strength during his fight; she made her husband feel that there was hope and that he should be brave. Their story, which was posted online, turned into a symbol of love despite the difficulties. Here is everything about glioma, its signs, symptoms, and how it can be treated.
What Is Glioma?
As per the US National Cancer Institute, Glioma is a type of cancer that affects the glial cells of the brain or spinal cord; it is a complex disease that influences the lives of thousands of people. Cancer of this form can affect anyone irrespective of age and may manifest in any symptoms that depend on where it is located and how developed it is. Bibek Pangeni, a bright and young PhD student himself, faced this disease, and Crzana Subedi, Bibek’s wife, supported him throughout and helped people understand this disease’s suffering. Now, let’s delve deeper into glioma and consider the possible symptoms and kinds of treatment most effective for this disease.
Symptoms Of Glioma
- Headaches: Worse in the morning or on exercise.
- Seizures: Among the main signs that patients with the initial stage of the disease can experience, this one is quite frequent and can range from mild to severe.
- Cognitive Changes: This includes memory problems, confusion, or inability to concentrate.
- Vision Problems: Squinting, eye strain, or difficulty seeing objects at the side of the car.
- Speech or Hearing Difficulties: Difficulty comprehending content words or expressing ideas when speaking.
- Weakness or Paralysis: Paralysis, may affect an individual on half of his body depending on which area of his brain is affected.
- Nausea and Vomiting: As a result of elevated intracranial pressure.
Treatment Options For Glioma
As with most gliomas, they pose a great challenge regarding treatment. However, many patients and their families have hope due to progressive medical developments. Cognitive behavioral therapy is employed and patients may be recommended to undergo some treatment depending on the grade and location of the tumor. Here are the primary approaches:
1. Surgery
The first approach to managing gliomas is by removing the tumor through surgery to reduce its mass. In some instances, it may not be possible to perform complete resection, yet debulking can alleviate the symptoms and enhance the outcomes of the next therapies.
2. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves the administration of penetrating radiation to kill the cancerous cells. This is especially used after surgery to remove any residual tumor or when surgery cannot be done as the initial form of therapy.
3. Chemotherapy
Some of the practiced drugs include temozolomide, commonly referred to as Temodar. It can be incorporated with radiation therapy where the cancer is more aggressive.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are directed toward the particular gene abnormality of the cancer and may be less hazardous to other cells.
5. Immunotherapy
Still evolving as a potential approach, immunotherapy targets the body’s defense mechanisms to attack gliomas. While it is still under investigation, it may be used in severe forms.
Conclusion
The life experience of Bibek Pangeni and Crzana Subedi shows that such a diagnosis of cancer requires courage and determination. Though the journey of Bibek came to a sad demise, his tale underlines the essence of love, hope, and courage during the worst of times.
For glioma patients or families having someone with glioma, it is a powerful weapon to induce support from not only doctors but also family members. Science is progressive, and every case brings more to understanding such a vague diagnosis.
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