80 year old dad with glioblastoma

Running up and down ladders two weeks ago, then confused, incontinent, shuffling, and become glued to the floor in the space of a few days.  CT scan showed glioblastoma, butterfly, on the corpus callosum.  Not operable.  Consultant recommended not to have a biopsy.  6 sessions of radiotherapy are booked in.  Steroids have reversed the symptoms outlined above.  Nobody wanted to ask 'how long', or 'what next', and there seems to be very little written which will help me mentally prepare for what will happen.  I've read that the median time is 14 months from diagnosis, but surely diagnosis for some is early on, and for others, late on?  Does anyone have any experience of this please?

  • Hello anneymouse,

    Welcome to our forum. We are sorry to hear what happened to your dad so suddenly. I hope others with experience of glioblastoma will be along soon to share their story with you.

    We have information on our site about gliomas including glioblastomas here. You can also find out more about prognosis statistics for these brain tumours here but these will obviously vary from person to person and depending on several factors.

    I thought I would also point you in the direction of this thread by buttermere whose dad has also been diagnosed with glioblastoma and who was very keen to talk to others who are going through the same.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

  • Hi, so sorry to hear about your Dad.My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 GMB (Glioblastoma) in February. He had just turned 44 and had always been very fit and active. He had 2 weeks of terrible headaches and stared being sick, when we ended up in A & E. I thought it was some sort of migraine and that we would be home with tablets, but sadly we were told it was a Glioblastoma. I had never even heard of this type of tumour so googled as soon as I could. Big mistake! Within a week he had surgery but only half could be removed and we were told the terrible prognosis of GMB. 10% survive up to 2 years. 8 months on and he is doing remarkable well. We have good and bad days, but he is still here and every day with our children is so precious. I have joined a Facebook group for people or careers of people with GMB which has been invaluable as we don't know anyone with this type of tumour. Most GP's see one person per career. Just remember everyone is unique and try to stay positive. Some people do beat the odds. Love and prayers xx