Trent’s Trek

Trenton M. Anderson (Trenie)
Crown Point, IN
08/18/2000 – 4/3/2006

Trenton was diagnosed in June 2005 with a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Brainstem Glioma. During the fall season of 2004, he was having vision problems and was prescribed glasses for farsightedness. Trenton was clumsy and falling a lot, which we attributed to his eye sight. In March of 2005, his right eye would not move outward. The Ophthalmologist at the University of Chicago requested an MRI. The results showed a large tumor in his brainstem that was not operable and could not be biopsied due to its location (in the pons). Although we were not given a specific prognosis because there is no “set” course for this type of tumor, our research on the internet made us aware that he had at the most 1 year to live. Trenton completed 31 radiation treatments and 5 rounds of chemotherapy (Temodar). He began showing symptoms of tumor growth in January 2006 which included headaches, dizziness, instability while walking, difficulty swallowing, left side paralysis, slurred speech and drooling. Trenton stopped chemotherapy and he was given 4 mg of Decadron 3 times daily to help reduce the symptoms, reduce the swelling in his brain, and prolong his life. The steroids helped in many ways, but also had side affects which included excessive hunger leading to weight gain and a decrease the ability of the immune system. During an MRI in February 2006, another tumor was found in Trenton’s right front ventricle. Trenton began to deteriorate daily and he was put on hospice care in March 2006. Trenton earned his angel wings on April 3, 2006 and passed peacefully into heaven. He was so brave during his “trek” to fight cancer and we are so very proud of him.