My wife, 77, and I learned on March 30, 2022 that she has gliobllastoma. We have no idea what we are facing. Life expectancy? Surgery? Medications? Palliative care?
We wish to learn and receive, as well as offer, support to others also facing this disease.
Hello, thank you for reaching out to the community here for information, at what must be a confusing and overwhelming time for you. The Brain Tumour Charity has some useful guidance on what to do once you have a diagnosis, which can be found at the following link: thebraintumourcharity.org/b... . We also have a dedicated Support and Information Service, if you want to talk through any concerns or questions you may have. This service is available every day 09:00-17:00 and the number is: 0808 800 0004, or you may prefer to send an email to support@thebraintumourcharity.org Very best wishes, Zhaleh.
Hi Piper 16I was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma in 2010.
As per Zhaleh's response there is a lot of information available on the Brain Tumour Charity website.
Regarding treatment, this will depend on the location of your wife's tumour, it's size and grade, which runs from 1-4. Also, if the tumour is operable or inoperable.
My tumour was small and located in my right temporal lobe, which was operated on. This was followed by a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which is standard treatment.
During and after treatment there will be a regular monitoring of your wife's condition through regular scans, mine are MRI scans, which were quarterly.
Since 2010, there has been the development of proton beam treatment, which I believe may now be available in the USA, though I'm not sure where.
Your oncologist will be able to provide you with the relevant information and guidance about treatment, etc. I know your health service is different to ours in the UK, but the community on here and on the Brain Tumour Charity's site will provide help and support to you.
It is important to take each day one at a time, do not waste time looking up what has happened to other people in a similar situation. Each one of us who have been diagnosed with a brain tumour have our own unique journey to take. Most of all stay positive, concentrate on living your lives together, for how ever long that may be.
I wish you and your wife the very best during a very difficult time in your lives.
Please do leave a post if you have any questions and I will reply.
Hope or preparation for death?
Rachy
GBM stage 4 in my Dad
Posting this information in case it is useful for anyone else
