Hi new here,
my mum diagnosed jan 2024 with grade four glioblastoma, had it de bulked had radio and chemo until august 24 had to stop due to toxicity. Tumour is shrinking still and it is now 2ml.
although it’s shrinking, she can now barely walk is breathless all the time. Weak legs and arms, sleeps most of the day and now having to use adult nappies. I don’t understand how the tumour can be shrinking so much yet she is drastically going down hill,
I ask her consultant and he tells me not to worry about it!!
I actually feel like she’s going to pass away yet the hospital says the tumour is stable,
I know the time frame is usually 12-15 months but she’s on month 18. Is all of this normal? Thanks
Hello
sorry to hear about your mum. Not sure I can be very helpful here. One thing I have noticed is there really isnt a normal. Some have common traits but every journey is different.
some go downhill fast, others have years ahead. Do make sure the doctors are checking for other causes. My mother had dementia and so much effort was put into that nobody noticed she actually had cancer.
i would also press for answers. Maybe your mum asked that her condition not be discussed with others? I have done this and my medical team have promised they will seek my permission before speaking to my husband.
i hope you get answers soon
Hi, this sounds very much like my husband. He has GMB4 , diagnosed April 23. Had debulking, radio and chemo, followed by 11 months chemo. After 6 months, recurrence of tumour, just completed round 5 of more chemo. Had an MRI in May, oncologist very pleased, tumour had shrunk considerably and swelling gone, but we were expecting the worst news as he’s deteriorated so much in the last few months. Barely walking anywhere, sleeping a lot, big increase in weight, eye sight playing up a lot. Just can’t understand why he’s deteriorated so much when results are so positive. Nobody gives us any answers, maybe they just don’t know.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007