I wanted to ask this here, because my dad has a habit of acting like everything will be okay and holding back information and downplaying things, so I'm struggling to get a realistic picture.
She was having very intense headaches for the past couple of months that the doctors wrote off as sinusitis, until last week when they confirmed it's brain cancer, and it's all over her brain. The main shock to see, though, was the difference in her health between when I last saw her a month ago and now. She was in okay health for being in her 60's, but now needs help with her mobility around the house as stairs or getting into a seat is a struggle. Her right eye also sits to the side and she seems less 'there' than she was.
Asking for a timeline with such limited information is probably a bit silly, but I'm just trying to look for some rough answers. It's just that when I look into these factors I am getting life expectancies of just one or two months, as it apparently points to an aggressive or high grade cancer. There's only one treatment which she might be eligible for which she will find out about this week, but given how frail her health appears, I'm struggling to be optimistic about it.
Thank you.
Hi JohnD89
a warm welcome to the online community. So sorry to hear about all that's going on with your mum.
Timelines are a contentious subject. The fact is regardless of the timescales a doctor might predict, this journey will last as long as it lasts. I apologise if that's hard to hear.
I supported my late husband G through the 3 years plus of his stage 4 brain tumour journey. Initially we were told 18-24 months then post surgery that prediction dropped to 12-15 months. As a family we were psyched up to cope for 12-15months. G lived for three years, two months and a day from his original diagnosis.
Timelines are based on published averages and best guesstimates. No one is average. Everyone is unique as is their journey.
Your mum's medical team are the ones best placed to predict a timeline so perhaps you could accompany your parents to one of the appointments and ask for yourself but please bear in mind your parents' wishes here. They might not want to know and that's ok.
This is a safe and supportive space so please reach out here anytime. There's always someone about to listen who gets it, someone to hold your hand and to offer a virtual hug when its needed. You're not alone. We've got you.
It’s always good to talk so please remember that you can also call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
For now though I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and lots of strength to cope with the journey ahead.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
