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End of life glioblastoma

JackW99
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My girlfriends Mother was diagnosed with grade 2 Astrocytoma 5 years ago. She was given a year to live but she suprised us all as she has so many times throughout this whole process and she managed to get back to normal life. She ate extremely well, exercised often and even drove for about 2 years. This all changed about a month ago. Suddenly, she lost feeling in her complete right side. Unable to walk or move her right arm (the tumor is on her left side). She went to hospital for a short while and was told her tumor had moved to grade 4. She was sent home with just weeks to live, as they would not offer any more treatment unless they saw a major improvement in her health. This is all so terrifying. She has been home for just over 2 weeks now and her deterioration is beyond anything i could ever imagine. She was ok at first, just a little confused and unable to find the words she wanted to say at times. A lot of crying as she knew what was to come. Now, she has completely lost her mind -  she is trying to harm herself constantly, she thinks that everybody around her are the ones doing this to her, she has lost all emotion and compassion, its awful. The palliative nurse told us she would not be suprised if its days now. I just cant comprehend what is going on and how people get through this. I am only here a few times a week for a few hours - i dont know how my girlfriend and her family have managed to cope with it all they are truly amazing. She lost her dad just over a year ago also and she is not even 19 yet. I am terrified for her and i just hope i can help her get through this. I have looked all over the internent and cant find no information on glioblastoma patients and self harming/suicide. Has anybody else experienced anything like this? She has been punching herself in the head and trying to stab her throat with the opposite side of a metal spoon. Obviously , we wont be giving her anything that can cause her harm any more.

Thanks in advance & all of those suffering out there the very best. Cancer is a horrible disease

  • Hello Jack and welcome to the forum

    I'm so very sorry to read about your girlfriends situation. It sounds as if it's an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved at the moment. 

    You mention in your post that the palliative nurses are involved in caring for your girlfriends Mum. I presume that the family have spoken to them about these recent changes. If not then do encourage your girlfriend and her family to speak to them. They will be best placed to offer them all support and advice on being able to help manage these behaviours. 

    You're most welcome to speak to one of our nurses for some support, as is your girlfriend of course. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    It may also be helpful to have the contac tdetails for the Marie Curie helpline. They are open every day on 0800 090 2309. Their support services are also free to call and open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 11am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. They will be able to help with practical information and emotional support. 

    I do hope that your girlfriend, her Mum and the whole family find the support that they need through the coming days and weeks. I'm sure that having you there to support her will be a great comfort to your girlfriend. 

    Sending you our best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

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    Hi Jack,

    Im so sorry to hear this i can understand how upsetting dealing with this illness is. In 2016 my Dad suddenly became ill and was found to have had a bleed on his brain which was operated on. He was in recovery and slowly improving but after 2 months he experienced severe headaches that made us seek futher treatment. From another brain scan, a tumour was found and we were told it was a stage 4 gliblastoma in the original location of the bleed. This was shocking for us and devistating to find that the cancer had developed so quickly. Although im not a professional, due to this type of cancer i understand behavioral and mood changes are very common which i experienced with my Dad too. Although he was a very loving and laidback person before his illness, he definately developed more anger and irritability which was so out of character for him. In your case, i can only assume that your girlfriends mothers tumour has impacted a part of the brain that has lead to depressive thoughts and combined with the trauma she has faced, it would explain why she is suicidal. Aside from this however, especially in the progressed stages of brain tumours this irrational and unusual behavior can be common, and very unique to individuals. Unfortunately my Dad passed away in October 2017 after a year in a half. With treatment he showed a lot of improvement but by September 2017, he experienced another bleed on the brain which was when we received the news of it being terminal. Within futher weeks he went very down hill, and his sight and mobility decreased drastically. It was horrifying to see and so i can only imagine the similar situation that your girlfriend is experiencing. Im so sorry, and hope you and your girlfriend get through this the best you can. I hope that one day others wont have to go through this, cancer really is a horrible disease.

    All the best, Emily.

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