Glioblastoma

My 50yr old mum has been diagnosed with glioblastoma within the last 4 weeks. 1 week ago she had surgery to remove the tumour and 90% was successfully removed. I felt so relieved that it was almost over. I am so naive. She now has to have 9 months of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Upon hearing, I thought this is a positive move, it must be treatable. I did a little googling earlier to try to understand exactly what she has and how much treatment is advised and I'm shocked at what I have found. I read that 12-18months is average life expectancy and that it's likely to come back. Have my parents tried to shield me from this devastating news?? because when we talk about it they're both so positive. Is it really that aggressive and awful that even after treatment it takes our loved ones away so soon? My baby, her grandson, is 3 months old...he doesn't have much time left with her does he? I wasn't prepared to read what I did, I'm too scared to question my parents as I don't want them any more upset than they already are. Doctors always say 'you should never Google as it's not accurate' but is what I've read accurate??

  • Hello Chick1589 and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I'm glad that 90% of your mum's tumour managed to be removed although I'm sorry that you're worried about the survival rates for this diagnosis.

    I can't say whether the information you found online is accurate although do not trust everything you find via 'Dr.Google'. If you'd like to find out more it may be worth consulting an official or reliable medical source. You can also give our cancer nurses a call if you feel chatting to them about this will help. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between the hours of 9a.m - 5p.m.

    I hope you're able to get some clarification on this soon and wish your mum all the best with the next stage of her treatment.

    Best wishes to you all, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator