Denial or blissfully unaware

[WhyHer2024]

Does anyone’s family member who has been diagnosed, not understand the situation?

My mum ‘feels fine’ albeit terrible short term memory and doesn’t say the right words.

Im really struggling to convince her assisted living is her best option moving forwards. She lives with 87 year old gran and I’m worried it will be too much for both of them when she deteriorates.

I don’t want to be selfish and ‘palm her off’quite the opposite. I want to make sure she has the right care. I don’t live in her country and she is not allowed to live with me (visa issues)

She simply doesn’t believe she will deteriorate despite the prognosis.

She also doesn’t really remember anything I advise on following her surgery.

[Tansi75]

Hi WhyHer2024

Sorry to read about your mum.

I was diagnosed with my grade 4 GBM in May 2010, so my first piece of advice is that a grade 4 diagnosis can mean change of life, not end of life.

Regarding memory loss, that can be due to treatment, etc. I do suffer from long and short term memory loss, but over time, it can improve and believe that it is important to keep the brain working.

If you read some of my previous posts, you will hopefully find some useful information regarding my alternative anti-cancer treatments, etc.

Staying positive about life and a future are key to being able to live a longer and better life, for as long as that may be. Yes, ignorance can be bliss as it allows you to concentrate on living, not dying, especially if the word 'terminal' has been used. I and my wife chose not to know what my prognosis was in 2010. So it would be useful to support your mum is the best way you can if she is feeling fine.

I always advise people to consider that 'all life is terminal from the moment it is created', just as my and you mums lives have been since we were born.

I too had difficulty and still do, in finding the right word(s) to use at times, but that too has improved over time. Although it is also a sign of growing older, depending upon her age.

Diet is also an important in fighting back against this disease. Sugar feeds cancer cells, so she should cut out all unnecessary intake e.g. cakes, chocolate, etc. Blueberries, pecan nuts and turmeric spice have anti-cancer properties, as does green tea, though I found green tea too bitter and only tried it for a short while. The others my wife and I have included in our diet since my diagnosis.

It's a difficult question about you mum living with your gran, which could help her to take her mind off her diagnosis, and give her a reason to live, possibly with some support?

I hope this helps and if you have any follow up questions, please do ask them and I will reply.

I know you are going through a very difficult time, but please do stay positive and believe that you can all get through this with a positive outcome.

Wishing you all the very best for a better 2025.

Tansi 🙂

[WhyHer2024 in reply to Tansi75]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and reply. I do appreciate your advice.