Dad diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma at 47

My Dad was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumour called a Glioblastoma in February. He is 47 years old. For my whole life my Dad has always been the fittest person I know and perhaps for that (and other) reasons this was the biggest and worst shock. The day he was diagnosed was the worst day of my life but I am terrified there are worse days to come.

He is currently undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He had surgery which saw the surgeons take out "everything they could see", that phrase alone scares me because it means that there is more. We were told by the oncologist that some doctors consider this to be incurable. Where do you go from there? My Dad is overall in good health at the moment and we are keeping a positive attitude and praying that he will be ok but I am scared. I am not scared for myself, I am scared for him. He still has so many things to do. I am getting married this year and he so wants to walk me down the aisle and to be well on that day but I am scared he wont be and that will set is mental health back. I want to cancel the wedding and do something smaller but he wont hear of it.

My youngest brother is only 12. Such a crucial age for a boy. They are so close and I can't imagine how he would get on without my Dad. They spend so much time together and I so want for him to have the childhood with my Dad that me and my other brother had. It's not fair for them to be robbed of that.

My Mum is so amazing and strong but she wants to spend the rest of her life with my Dad and I am scared for her that wont happen.

My Dad is the glue in our family. He keeps it all together. We need him.

I hope they find a cure for this terrible disease and all other terrible diseases in the world. It's strange how you live your life never contemplating these terrible things when the probability tells us that something terrible will come to all our doorways. 1 in 3 will get cancer. We will all be affected by it.

  • I am so sorry that you are going through this. Please dont give up hope,there are so many treatments now and new things being found every day.I have a different form of cancer but have been having chemo for 2 years as it cant be cured  but it is keeping me going.I hope things go well for your dad.

    Rose xxx

  • hi adb

    as rose said please dont give up hope,i know things seem hopeless at times,and i can see how much your dad means to you,and the rest of your family,and the love and the bond you have for each other,and hopefully this will inspire your dad,because,i know it would certainly give me the boost needed,so please try to stay strong and come online if you need someone to talk to.

      jeff. hugz to you all.

  • Hi ADB,

    Sorry to hear about your situation, you are right when you say you dont really think about things like this until it happens to you and your family. My dad has recently been diagnosed with terminal oesophagus cancer. Like your dad my dad has always been fit and healthy, until now. It certainly does take the wind out your sails hearing the doctors give the diagnosis, doesnt it. I felt like I was in a bubble or a dream when my dad was first told. I felt like I was looking in from the outside and it was someone it was happening to and not my dad and family. Life sometimes does give us a big slap in the face. I asked my dad if he would be my Mohammed Ali, he asked what I meant and I said he had to be a fighter. He laughed and said he'd give it his best shot.

    All I can say is just try and stay strong, (which is easier said than done). It is very hard watching someone you love suffering, I do feel helpless at times but you just have to try and stay positive. I have found this forum is full of caring people who are there to offer support and advice, so keep  reading and posting questions and your feelings. I have found writing how Im feeling a help, just getting it off your chest.

    Big hugs to you and your family

    Waterlilly

    x

  • Hi ABD - the others are right - you need to stay strong and positive.  Last July my mum (only 62) sadly died of lung cancer and that was the worst day of my life as we were so incredibly close.  I thought it couldn't get any worse until just over a month ago when I found out (1 days apart) that my uncle and dad (63) both had advanced and terminal prostrate cancer.  And so our fight starts again.  It is awful to watch someone so close go through this and suffer but we must help them fight - we must stay strong for them.  Your dad wants you to have the wedding you have planned and dreamed off and you should respect his wish - I am sure that the thought of walking you down the isle will make him fight harder and he will be determined to be there for you healthy on that day.

    Sending you a cyber hug xx

    Liz

  • I'm so sorry to hear about your dad:( my dad had exactly the same thing nd I'd love to know how your dad is doing and if you went through the wedding?

    Stay strong

  • Dear ADB,

    im so sorry about your dad I too am going through this with my husband so know how scary this diagnosis is ( we got the diagnosis in September 6 weeks after getting married) . I can't offer much help in practical terms but I do want to send my love to you and your family at this sad time . Take care x