I was diagnosed with grade 3 astrocytoma in March after having surgery to remove what they which was grade 1/2.
I’ve had the 6.5 weeks radio and start the chemo tablets in a couple of weeks. I feel so tired and stay in bed a lot and I know this is ok as my body needs the rest buf prior to all this, I worked full time, ran around after my 2 children and I feel so sad that I’ve lost my old life. I cannot drive, I can’t go out on my own, I barely see anybody and I’m just living day to day. I am only 32 and I feel like I will never be back to my normal self. I feel like I’m grieving the life I had and I am really struggling, I’ve lost all independence. I have the most amazing partner and family but nothing can fix this feeling it’s horrible. I’m grateful for all the good people I have around me and my children are amazing.
it’s just tough, when I sit there and think of where I was this time last year to now. It’s really sad and wonder if I’ll ever get my life back. Sometimes wish I never had the surgery so I could live the rest of my life being me. Sorry for the ramble, hopefully someone can relate.
Hi CK,
Welcome to a club that nobody wants to join. This is just a very short message to say "hello". You are not alone, we can relate to what you are going through. Things do get better, honest. It will never be the same as it was but you can cope. I have a similar tumour to you. Take a look at my profile if you like.
I suspect that another person may well post a message on here shortly, (Wee Me 
) giving you a much better "hello".
If there are things you want to know, let us know.
Cheers,
Richard
HI CK1414
a warm welcome to the online community and thank you for sharing your story with us.
My personal experience lies in supporting my late husband through his grade 4 glioblastoma journey so an entirely different set of circumstances but what I will say is that you are very early in this journey. Surgery and treatment take time to recover from and time for your body to heal and adjust so please be patient with yourself. While things may never recover to what they were before, they should improve once you're through the treatment cycles.
G had 6 weeks of radiotherapy in combination with oral chemo and the main side effect he suffered from was fatigue. It kicked in around week 4 and lasted for about a month after the treatment cycle ended. G was 51 at this point. He was a fitness freak and a marathon runner and remained determined to get back to his running as soon as he could. This was Nov 2020. The fatigue passed and while life was never what it had been before he kept on running. In 2022 he set PBs in all his competitive distances up to and including marathon. In total he ran more than 2500 miles that year.
Why am I telling you this? I'm not necessarily saying get your trainers on and get running but am using it as an example to say things do improve once your body has dealt with the treatment and not to despair over it.
Have you been offered any counselling by your medical team? It sounds as though you may benefit from chatting things through with someone outwith the family circle. It can't do any harm.
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 positive energy.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
