Hello all!
My dad {64} has been diagnosed with stage 4 gliamastoma. We, as a very close family are shocked and devastated. I dragged him to a and e 11 days ago as his words were jumbked and saying wrong words etc. I thought he'd had mini strokes but nope a tumour was found on his MRI. Since then he's had a drain fitted and fluid drained and diagnosed stage 4. I'm extremely close with him and this is our families worst nightmare. He's being assessed to see if radiotherapy is an option. He's in hospital but they are trying to make arrangements for him to come home. He's onky really on bed, onky been out on a chair for an hour once. It all seems to be happening really fast and I'm struggling controlling my emotions. Sorry for the ramble.
Hi Jade83
a warm welcome to the group. So sorry to hear about your dad.
My husband (then 50) was diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma in Sept 2020 so I can empathise with what you and your family are going through. To us, it was a bolt out of the blue. He'd had a funny turn out while out running where he realised he didn't know the word for things and could form sentences or read. Long story short, via an online GP appointment he was referred for scans and an MRI confirmed it was a GBM4. It's been a roller coaster ride of emotions ever since.
Those first few weeks were totally overwhelming emotionally so don't worry about controlling your emotions - every single one of them is perfectly natural and its ok to feel them. The most resilient among us are the ones who show their emotions.
Something I have learned over the past 22 months is that everyone is unique and these tumours are unique to the person. Physically my husband is still in great shape, is still running and has far exceed the doctors' expectations. Mentally though he is slipping and is more like an early stage dementia patient. These tumours impact people in different ways depending on size and where they are sited and the person's overall health.
I'd suggest that you and your family write down all the questions and concerns that you have about your dad. Those first few appointments in particular can be overwhelming and your notes will help keep you on track. Be guided by what your dad wants and the team say the options are.
This group is safe supportive space so please reach out anytime. There's always someone around who gets it, someone listen, someone to hold your hand and to offer a virtual hug when its needed. You might also want to look at Glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour forum - Macmillan Online Community. Both groups have been a great source of support to me over the past 22 months.
It’s always good to talk so please remember 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, I'm sending you a huge virtual hug. If there's anything I can do to offer further support, just ask.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
