We Talk Brain Tumours

Mandyr

thank you so much for your kind words, I have taken your advice and will be seeing a counselor on Tuesday who specialises in families of cancer patients. I know Lyn would not have wanted to live if she was a burden to her family or unable to do things as she was very active and independent, it would have made no difference to us as she would still be here, one small concelation is she did not suffer long. 

Hi Martyn  Not so much of the OLD... Thank you..xxxx

Hi All

I'm new to the boards but I am hoping to get some advice if possible. 

My step-mother was diagnosed with a grade 4 GBM last July, and it's situated on her parietal lobe (communication, speech, etc).  She underwent Radiotherapy and maybe 2 or 3 rounds of chemotherapy (tablet form), however she then stopped the chemo as it was making her ill and very tired which meant she was losing time when she otherwise would have felt fine.

Anyway, in the last couple of days she has gone downhill so fast it's unbelievable.  She is now hardly awake, and when she is it is only for about 5 minutes.  She is in quite a bit of pain, has pretty much lost her vision in her left eye, isn't eating and is hardly drinking.

Does anyone know what to expect now, or how long?  It is absolutely horrendous seeing her like this, and I know she was dreading losing control of her bodily functions.  Also, is there anything that can be done to make her more comfortable, etc?  She's still at home, and palliative care is starting tomorrow.  Just feel so helpless.

Many thanks in advance

Charlotte 

Hi Charlotte, I'm so sorry you have the need to be here, but hopefully we will be able to answer some of your questions and concerns.

The following website may help you,  click on the Symptom Timeline on the right of the page.

http://www.brainhospice.com/

I must dash, but will be back later. Best wishes Martyn.

Hey Jenny,

Whatever the age,  you have been and continue to be a good friend and support.  Thank you. XXXXXX

everyones brain  is different so  Doctors are not able or prepared to say how long or what next ,  I can only tell yu my experience  &  our local Hospice kicked My sister out 3 weeks ago exactly because they had no idea how long she might continue to fight for.   She has same tumor & has been in similar state for last 3 months however I think we are nearing the end of her battle.  I wud imagine your step Mother does not know much about her present state now , so yu can take some comfort from that and the palliative care will help with her pain, my Sister is now wearing a pain relief patch as she is also not drinking or eating so impossible to administer medication.  

send me an email if yu wish

Hi All

Good news. Pete has rallied a little and the plan is for him to come home from the Hospice on Tuesday. I have to say it is a truely marvellous place and the care given to Pete has been outstanding. Naturally when he was admitted it was an emotional time for me & my girls. I really beleived that he would not return home and that he was reaching the very end of his journey, a view shared I know by the professionals as well but within a few days he was eating again and much more awake & aware of us. I know it is probably only a brief rally but Pete always was a stubborn so & so and he continues to surprise us and keep me on my toes! Long may it continue, please. Must dash as I'm meeting up with a friend for lunch before we visit Pete this afternoon. Knowing he is so well cared for enables you to relax a little so if any of you carers do have the chance of having respite care arranged with a hospice I would say take it up as I should have perhaps done it sooner with Pete as it does recharge the batteries and also the Hospice are so good at reviewing their medication/care plans.

Take care everyone, thinking of you as always. Sue xxxxx    

In a word Sue,

Fantastic!

That is so good to hear.
Long may it continue.
CHxx

Hi Sue,

That makes good reading, I am so pleased for you both, Pete and Doreen make a pretty formidable pair.   It is being suggested that Doreen goes into the hospice for a while, but maybe I'm being over possessive for the moment!

We send you every possible good wish.

Martyn Doreen having a holiday sounds fantastic, think she deserves the break ! Best wishes - Robin.