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Gioblastoma. Surgery or not?
my mom, 83, was just diagnosed with glioblastoma. About the size of a golf ball. We had just moved her in to assisted living after she had been living alone seemingly fine until she suddenly seemed to stop caring for herself. Then discovered the tumor after a CT scan given after a fall. I am struggling making the decision between having her get the surgery vs. making her comfortable with the time she has left. How hard would the surgery and recovery be for her? Is the struggle of surgery/recovery worth it for maybe only a few more months of life? Anyone been through this that has suggestions?
Comments
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In someone her age, glioblastoma surgery is usually very hard, with a real risk of confusion, loss of independence, and a long recovery. It may add a few months, but those months are often spent recovering or declining, not returning to how she was.
For many families, comfort‑focused care brings more peace and dignity, with less suffering. Choosing comfort is not giving up so it’s choosing how she lives the time she has.
Whatever you decide, it’s coming from love. There is no wrong choice here.
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