GBM4 - Super Sleepy and Really Bad Headaches, Advice?

Hi All,

my gorgeous mum (53) has been diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma multi form. We were told last week that the tumour is now stable after chemotherapy and radiotherapy and we have now started a new chemotherapy plan. 
however, mum had a seizure last week, her first ever one and we had to go into hospital for a few days. The care at the hospital was shocking - didn't give her the right medication, just left her and basically made us do everything. Mum was only alone once during 3 days for 9 hours and during that time she had a fall. Anyway since coming home she's been okay but her headaches have gotten really bad and she's been spending most of the day in bed.

we know it's not the tumour growing because we've had two scans in the last two weeks which say we are stable. So I'm just not sure what's causing her headaches to be so bad? We've reduced her steroids very slightly but only by 2mg and she's been on the new dose for over a week now.

just not sure what to do because I don't want to push her in case she has another seizure but I also know it's probably not good to spend all day in bed. Has anyone experienced this or got any advice for pain relief we could ask the hospital about?

  • It's great to hear your mum's most recent scans have shown the tumour is stable Kate although I'm sorry that the headaches she's been having have got quite bad since she's been back home.

    I hope you've managed to get some reassurance and advice from your mum's medical team since making this post but if you'd like to discuss this with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very supportive, and insightful, and will do all they can to help.

    We do have some information on controlling brain tumour symptoms on our website but I'm sure some of our members who have contended with this issue will offer their thoughts and advice to you soon as well.

    Best wishes to you both,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator