Hi everyone, I don't know really know where to start I'm sorry to say. I don't know if this is what people do but I guess I should just go straight into why I'm here.
I'm here because my Dad (aged 69) has very recently been diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer, the primary cancer most likely being melanoma but this hasn't been 100% confirmed yet. I understand this is a Stage 4 diagnosis.
My Dad currently has no symptoms...he had some symptoms for a couple weeks in mid-August, he had three falls and temporarily lost feeling in his left arm and leg. He thought he had had a minor stroke so went to hospital to get checked out. My family and I did not expect the outcome to be anything like this, least of all cancer, let alone stage 4. What's really hard to digest is that he's fine... He's walking around, eating as normal, sticking to his routine as normal. After a 10-day course of steroids, his mobility has returned and he's been off steroids for nearly 2 weeks now. He's not driving anymore which is sad for him but he's coping with it quite well really. But I don't understand how this is stage 4 cancer.
My heart goes out to everyone in this group who is going through this and I hope to get to know some of you and share information with eachother. I'm not great with words at the moment, I'm a little numb to be honest but we've got to keep pushing forward. All the best xx
Hi Rubia03,
welcome to the Online Community and than you for reaching out. That in itself isn't an easy thing to do. So sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. Feeling numb about everything is fine, its natural.
Not sure if this will put your mind at ease any but my husband (now 52) was given a stage 4 terminal diagnosis last September thanks to a primary brain tumour (Glioblastoma). Initially he had very few symptoms. The tumour was in the area of the brain that controls speech, language and understanding. Physically he's still really fit. He had surgery to debulk the tumour, went through 6 weeks of chemo/radiotherapy then declined all further treatment but he's still out running. He was a marathon runner and is still running around 50 miles a week - with this stage 4 diagnosis. On the face of it, he looks fine. Ask him to follow directions or read a paragraph and sadly- forget it. Brain cancer is a curious beast indeed.
It's a rollercoaster ride but take some comfort from the fact that there's always someone here to listen and offer a virtual hug when you need one.
Macmillan Support Services also offer lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen. It’s free to call 0808 808 0000. Most services are available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look by Clicking here to see what is available. If you have any medical questions, we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two to three working days for replies from our expert team. There are also more specialist groups on here too. I champion https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/brain-cancer-forum which you may find useful. Personally, I've drawn a lot of strength and support from Carers only forum - Macmillan Online Community over the past year.
If there's anything I can do to offer any support please feel free to reach out.
Stay strong. Sending you a huge virtual hug
Wee Me xxx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
