Update - some good news for my wife who has grade 4 glioma

Not made any comments for a while, busy with hospital visits etc supporting my Wife. The six weeks of Radiotheraphy was completed just before Christmas, the six weeks of Chemotheraphy ended after four weeks due to adverse reactions leading to multilply platlet and red blood cell tranfusions. My Wife was given some great news on Monday (this) after an MRI last week. No cancer cells were identified on the scan, or words to that effect from the consultant. We have three months off until early April before an MRI and consultants clinic again. My Wife was due for another six months of Chemotheraphy but thats not happening now due to previous propblems. So all she can do now is try rebuild her strength and get some level of health back.

As a husband of nearly 31 years (Feb 26th is our 31st) my concerns are many. The original diagnosis was an inccurable, but treatable a grade 4 Glioma. The brain cancer seems to have dissapeared, according to the MRI. Where is it, will it return, if so how and when. It feels like I'm living with a timebomb that has an unkown detonation date. Not sure what to expect or look out for. I want to be strong so I can support my Wife, struggling with the not knowing and unknown. Then again, am I just being an idiot, I don't have a grade 4 Glioma with a life expectancy of 18 months.

  • Hello Tony

    Thank you for sharing the great news that your wife was given last week. It really does lift the spirits when we hear about members being told this kind of thing. 

    I know we will have many members here who understand your description of the ticking time bomb. Regardless of the staging of someone's cancer, I think there is very often a part of you that lives with the fear of when, where, and if it will return. I wish that I had some magical wisdom to impart about how you live with that threat but I think that for many people it just moves more into the back of their mind over time. 

    Obviously, it's very difficult at the moment with the current lockdown restrictions but hopefully over the next few months whilst you and your wife have this break from the hospital you'll be able to do some of the things that bring a sense of normality back to your life. 

    If you feel that it would be helpful to talk to someone about how you're feeling you're most welcome to give our nurses a call. I know they will be happy to listen and share any advice they have about coping. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Sending you both my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator