New dx of GBM

jeaniemarie68
jeaniemarie68 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Brain Cancer #1
My dad was just diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme about five weeks ago. MRI showed up to nine lesions, most of them in the left lobe. The doctors here (and at Mayo Clinic) said with his age (he's 65) and the numerous tumors that surgery is out of the question. They also stated that the risks of treatment with radiation/chemo would far outweigh the benefits, so my dad and the family has decided to just treat his symptoms. The docs said he has anywhere from a couple months, maybe up to a year but that's probably not going to happen. My question to any and all who have gone through this is what can we expect as the tumors worsen? Right now he has receptive and expressive aphasia, right-sided weakness, and right-sided vision deficits. He's also had seizures for which he's on Keppra for now. He's also taking Decadron. I just want to know what to expect. Will he just go quietly? Maybe fall asleep and not wake up? Will he go into a coma? Will it be painful?

Thank you for any information you can provide. Each and every one of you are in my prayers. May God bless you all.

Comments

  • needingmore
    needingmore Member Posts: 5
    #2
    I am a WHO grade III Astrocytoma survivor. My sister has the same thing that your dad has. Her quality of life is zilch and the doctors cannot do anything for her but she has hung on through radiation and surgeries since 1999. Nobody expected her to have to suffer this long but she has. I'm sorry for what you and your family must be going through. I pray that your father will not suffer as my sister still is. The age difference is about twenty years (between your father and my sister). My heart and prayers go out for all of you.
  • janinemah
    janinemah Member Posts: 53
    #3
    I'm so sorry about your father.
    My mom had GBM IV. It started in her Occipical lobe, then traveled to her Left Temp Lobe and became 5 new tumors. With what you tell us about your dad, he is in the stage that my mom was in after it traveled. It was 6 months from the new tumors to her passing away, I dont believe she suffered alot. they say that it's not painful, the brain does not feel pain. She did not appear to be hurting. She slipped in and out of a coma the last week. You can read my web page if you like. just click on my name and it should take you to my web page on here.

    Again I'm so sorry,
    Its very hard and I understand what your facing

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