My partner was diagonsed with this Stage 4 Maximum AGGRESSIVE state wiweekth a time call of 2 to 4 months. It is inoperable and Radiotherapy has been the only option to possibly extend life. the question is how long can this extend life, we were told hopefully by 3 months or so
Hi DonPGPe1dc56,
Thanks for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community. I hope you find it a helpful and supportive way to communicate with others. My name is Joanne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am so sorry to hear that your partner has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma and that radiotherapy is the only treatment option. This must have been devastating for you both.
There is no easy answer to your question. You mention that the specialist team have suggested radiotherapy may extend life by 3 months. They are in the best position to advise but it does still depend on many other factors such as how well the tumour responds to the radiotherapy and your partners’ general health. Sadly, even with a good response to radiotherapy life expectancy is still likely to be measured in months.
If they haven’t already, we would suggest the specialist team or GP makes a referral to the palliative care team in the community. The earlier they are involved in circumstances like this, the better support they can usually offer to you both.
It’s important that both you and your partner look after your emotional wellbeing and get the support you need. Brain Tumour UK offer a free counselling service to anyone diagnosed with a brain tumour or their loved ones.
I also wonder if you might benefit from giving our support line a call. We often find we can explain our answers in a bit more detail over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask more questions if needed. It can be very overwhelming not knowing how things might affect you moving forward. And although we can’t tell you exactly what to expect, we can help explain what usually happens for most people in a similar situation.
If there is anything else we can help you with please, feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
Joanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ JF/DC
