Hello, I’m 65 and so low - 90% of my brain tumour was removed 3 weeks ago but I don't know if I have less than a year or if the tumour has been suppressed

I had a craniotomy 3 weeks ago yesterday and an MRI on the 21st Feb. I was awake 2-3 hours, my speech was awful but is fine now.

the surgeon could only take 90% of the tumour as my speech line ran straight through the middle of the tumour. He did a biopsy where he picked up that there were grade 4 cells. He confused me, said that what was left was grade 2 but he would treat them as grade 4.

my radiotherapy treatment is starting 30th March.

i don’t know if I’ll just have less than a year to live or if the tumour is suppressed.

i had zero symptoms and it didn’t grow from October last year to the op ! 

  • I don’t get headaches, never have

  • Hello Gemini60

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently undergone surgery for a brain tumour. It's understandable with the uncertainty that you're feeling so low at the moment. Hopefully, in the coming weeks as you continue your treatment, things will become clearer, and the team will be able to give you some reassurance. 

    We know that many people struggle with a rollercoaster of emotions. We have some information on our website about how cancer can make you feel but if you think it may help to chat with one of our nurses, I know they would be happy to listen and offer any advice and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040.

    Keep posting here at Cancer Chat if it helps to have a safe space to put down in writing how you're feeling, ask any questions or chat with others who understand. We're here for you.

    Sending my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thanks Jenn, I realise I don’t know my future, I had a letter from the doctor but they still don’t give me my future, I am so low. My radiotherapy starts on 30th, do you have any info on someone like this ? 

  • Living with the uncertainty this situation brings must be very difficult Gemini60 but as Mod Jenn has said, we are here for you and we'll do all we can to support you on this journey. 

    I hope this information we have about radiotherapy for brain tumours will help you prepare for the start of your treatment at the end of the month but if you have any further questions, you can give one of our cancer nurses a call on the number Mod Jenn provided in her reply. They're very insightful and will do all they can to help.

    If you haven't done so already, it may be worth getting in touch with The Brain Tumour Charity to help you find and connect with others who are going through this as well.

    We're sending you all our strength and support Gemini60 and are wishing you all the best with your radiotherapy.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator