Lightening progression of GBM4 symptoms

Hello - I'm new here. I posted this on another website a couple of days ago, but haven't had any replies yet. My husband was rushed to hospital on 2nd April with what we thought was a stroke. He was initially diagnosed with a secondary brain tumour. A later MRI and biopsy confirmed GBM4. His condition has deteriorated at a mind-numbing pace. At first he had mild dysphasia and right-sided weakness in his arm and leg. Two months on he is hemiplegic but can walk a short distance with a stick and assistance. He's had three falls and his skin is super-sensitive to touch. He mostly says 'yes' or 'no', which he often mixes up and very few other words. He cannot go to the toilet unaided or turn over in bed. I'm waiting on Home Care to get in touch. He is on Keppra and 4mg Dexi (reduced gradually from an initial 16mg to 10mg) but developed a steroid psychosis - aggression, disorientation, agitation and paranoia - following considerable pain relief for shingles he got on 27th April (he clearly hasn't suffered enough....).

Anyway, he starts radio and chemo (Temozolomide) tomorrow. Assuming he tolerates the treatment, is there likely to be any relief of his symptoms? I'm not expecting a miracle (much as I would like one) but what results have others had? Thanks.

 

  • Hi DollyCat,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. Firstly I'm very sorry to read about your husband - I can only imagine how difficult this must be especially given it's all happened so quickly and it sounds like you're both going through so much.

    In terms of your question, it's really best to discuss this with your husband's specialist, as they will be best placed to advise specifically to him.

    Meanwhile if anyone here has any similar experiences to share then hopefully they'll be along soon.

    Do continue to use this forum as much as is helpful moving forward for any support.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi DollyCat

    Firstly, may I say how sorry I am about your husband's medical condition.

    My husband was diagnosed with a primary brain tumour (which turned out to be a Grade 4 GBM) on 11 March this year so I understand exactly what you are going through.  Unfortunately, the Consultant would not give my husband any treatment at all to help prolong his life so he died 5 weeks after initial diagnosis.

    We had no idea of my husband's tumour until early March when his speech became very slow and he was becoming easily confused.

    I am so pleased to hear that your husband is receiving treatment of sorts and although I cannot offer you much in the way of hope, I do wish the best for him.

    After my husband died, a friend referred me to a Facebook Group called The Three Tumours - and that may give you some hope and encouragement.  This Group is made up of 3 men who were all diagnosed with Grade 4 GBM and have fought and so far survived over 5 years.  So, with the right hospital and help, your husband may improve.  www.facebook.com/.../

    Best wishes

    Dana