Hello Mardean, 

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I am so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis it must be so hard for you all as a family to watch him deteriorate. Christmas must have been a difficult time I hope you managed to enjoy being by his side and having quality time together despite the circumstances. 

Others on this forum will understand only too well what you are going through as they themselves spent Christmas with a loved one who has been diagnosed or is terminally ill with cancer. I hope you will hear from some of our members who find themselves in a similar situation and that they will come and share their own story with you. 

We're all here for you anytime you need to offload or chat to others who know exactly what you are going through at the moment. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello my dad is 89 and was diagnosed 24th September 2019 with grade 4 glioblastoma  after having a siezure.  They cannot operate and have advised palliative care only.  He has been on anti siezure meds and steroids and doing well ie still walking  and totally self sufficient.  He had a huge siezure on 27th dec and was put on end of life palliative sedation , we were  told he had hours to days to live . However after 3 days he was still with us . The drs lowered the sedation slightly and moved him to a hospice.  He has slowly come round more over the last few days and to a stage where with a nurse helping  he was eating and drinking today . Which is great . However  time frame wise we have no idea.  He was originally given 3-6 months with no treatment.  The tumour is in the middle of his head and about 4 cm big .we dont know if he can still walk at all thr physios may see him next week to assess him. His shots term memory is also really bad since this siezure.  He is more asleep than awake but everytime he wakes up he is asking , where he is, is this a hospital,  what's wrong with him, is he dying etc.  We think when he wakes up after a nap he thinks its a new  day.

hi we are in the same boat with my nan at the minute its so sad to see someone changing so so quick nan was unable to feed herself yesterday morning and lunch however at teatime she fed herself. she isnt really talking as her voice seems to be dissapearing she loved a natter and now all we get is yes and no small little answers. how are you coping im finding things really hard.

Hi Sam,

just horrible to watch, my thoughts & prayers r with use! Dad has been weakening, very little power in legs! Steroids have been upped since this morning as headaches are sore!!, Dad seems to have sore throat talking very low not much conversation but said throat no sore!!, will keep use in my prayers xx

Hi mardean same to you it's really hard isn't it my nans steroids have been lowered as they didn't seem to be having any affect other than her eating a lot she's having good and days and like you say very little conversation with one word answers I'll presume this is the awful pressure from the tumour not allowing her to say what she wants thinking of you xxx

Morning Sam,

Its heart breaking to watch! Dads steroids has been upped again since Friday as he started to have one sided seizures ️, it is all to do with pressure & just where it is touching! Dad back on feet again which is a bonus, big hugs to use all & prayers xx

Hi Mardean. 

Im in a similar position to you. My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 GBM on 25/11 after having stroke like symptoms 13/11 and being admitted to hospital. Sadly his symptoms for the last 12/18months were shadowed by what we thought were side affects from his prostate cancer medication :( he also has primary skin cancer too! Sadly radiotherapy or surgery wasn’t an option, only chemo however the chance of extending his life significantly was low. 

He was due to start chemo 2/1, however over Christmas he detoriated very rapidly, and was readmitted to hospital 29/12, where he suffered a huge seizure. He has been there since and has rapidly declined further, unable to speak, swallow or respond in any way. He hasn’t eaten or drank in two days and is heavily sedated via syrne driver on morphine and medalazam. Can only hope he slips away soon and isn’t in any pain or hasn’t to suffer any longer. It is so heartbreaking to watch Him fade away. 

This time last year my auntie died suddenly from heart failure which was such a shock, and now the opposite end of the spectrum just waiting for him to go :( it’s truly awful. 

It really is awful I had a really bad day yesterday I'm finding it harder. Your poor dad bless him I'm sorry he's started having seizures. My Nan hasn't had one yet I'm hoping this won't happen given the time frame we are down to are last final days this week it still doesn't feel real it's all happened so quick xxx

Awe bless use all! We have bad days to! Can't strong or positive everyday!, think this is what we all find difficult how quickly this disease takes over/changes every1 lives ️, Dad has had no more seizures, but getting very confused & hasn't had decent sleep past few nites, thoughts & prayers with u & ur Nan, take care & look after urself xxx