Glioblastoma

My husband was dx. last week with glioblastoma. He already has expressive aphasia and weakness to his right side. We thought he'd had a stroke, and he refused to see a doc for almost a month. We are seeing the surgeon tomorrow. I know that the discussion will involve debulking the tumor. How successful is this for someone who is already stage 4 and this symptomatic? Everything I've read indicates that his expected survival rate is 4-6 months. We want those to be as high quality as we can get. Any thoughts? I don't want to feel like we've just given up, but the prognosis is so grim I don't know what to think. Thank you for your responses. Wallysmom

 

I'm not sure of the location of your husband's tumor, however don't believe in the report of the Doctor.  My daughter (11yrs old) was dx in Feb 08 with an inoperable brain tumor(Stage IV) that was located over 80% of the rt side and 25% of the left side.  She was having pettit mal seziures and her left side of her body was weakening, to the point of her face drooped.  But, I refuse to hear the statistics from the Drs. I just wanted the best treatment they could provide and I had FAITH that Our Heavenly Father would cure her.  However, she has completed her radiation and chemo was given in combination with radiation and she is still taking chemo.  But the GOOD NEWS is that the tumor is over 50% GONE.  Find you all some healing scriptures, books, and CDs.  Regardless to what anyone say, ONLY GOD CAN CURE THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE.  Besides, there are many people that have SURVIVE this disease for many years.

Please don't get hung up on statistics. You should read "The median isn't the message."     http://cancerguide.org/median_not_msg.html    I have GBM IV and I am still alive and doing well and continue to be a irritant to my kids (have to grab all the fun you can). Keep a positive attitude and good luck to you.  Steve

Sorry, I forgot to mention  that I will be a 5yr survivor this August. Take care.  Steve

 

On 6/2/2008 wallysmom wrote:

My husband was dx. last week with glioblastoma. He already has expressive aphasia and weakness to his right side. We thought he'd had a stroke, and he refused to see a doc for almost a month. We are seeing the surgeon tomorrow. I know that the discussion will involve debulking the tumor. How successful is this for someone who is already stage 4 and this symptomatic? Everything I've read indicates that his expected survival rate is 4-6 months. We want those to be as high quality as we can get. Any thoughts? I don't want to feel like we've just given up, but the prognosis is so grim I don't know what to think. Thank you for your responses. Wallysmom

 

 

I am a 25 month survivor of GBM.  Keep fighting, and keep living.  Try all the clinical trials you can.  I'm now off the chemo, and taking 200mg of Tamoxifen a day.  You and your family will be in my prayers

God speed. 

Everyone is different in how well they deal with the debulking and after that. It depends where the tumor is located,the age of the person,health,etc...Never listen to what doctors say..my mother-in-law was given 2 months in February, and she's still here. The 5% of her tumor that was left hasn't shrunk,but it hasn't grown either and she's doing really well. Its a long hard road and you just have to be ready for it with a POSITIVE attitude. Like concernedparent said I too believe that ultimately there is only ONE person that can stop this disease. I pray that it is His will to do this for you and your family. Take care and God bless~

My husband was dx 11/07 partial resection in the left temporial lobe 1.91. Now 58yrs old. Radiation, Temadar, Avastin. Just finished his 7th round of Temadar and his 10th round of Avastin. At last MRI no new growth and stable. He is not a candidiate for any trials or vaccines, but he has a very good quality of life with no deficits other than a few reading glitches.

Just as you would with any other illness or accident, Pray (hope) for the best,but prepare for the worst. Good attitude goes along way for both patient and caregivers. 

Best of Luck to you and your husband! 

So sorry you are starting this journey. You will have to learn to take one day at a time and know that God will give you both strength and wisdom for the road ahead. Don't think of the statistics. God has a different plan for everyone. Just try to enjoy the time you have and focus on the now.

God's Peace to you both,

JoAnn   Lost husband 06-12-07