Hello
My husband has been diagnosed with glioblastoma - position of the tumour means it is inoperable and consultant said it is incurable. But because he is generally fit they have referred him to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. From reading other posts I understand everyone’s journey is different. I read many cases of good recovery following surgery. With his tumour being inoperable, I dont know how to process this information and what this means for any chance of recovery. We were told without radiotherapy he would have 6 months and with therapy about 12 to 14. I am just numb.
Hi Arthi2dO647
a warm welcome to the online community. So sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Life's too cruel for words at times.
I can empathise with all the emotions you are going through as I have been in your position. I supported my husband through he 3 years of his GBM journey. He was able to have surgery to debulk the initial tumour which was followed by 6 weeks of oral chemo/radiotherapy in combination. He coped really well with the treatment regime. The only real side effect was fatigue which kicked in around week 4 and lasted for about a month after the treatment finished. He too was really fit. He was 50 at the time of his diagnosis and a marathon runner.
Timescales are something I have a love/hate relationship with to be honest. Initially we were told without treatment and surgery G would have 3 months but with surgery and treatment it would be 18-24 months. Post surgery that was reduced to 12-15 months. G lived for 3 years 2 months and a day from the date of his initial diagnosis. Read into that what you will but I drew the conclusion that a GBM journey lasts as long as it lasts.
All the emotions you are feeling right now are completely normal so please don't be too hard on yourself. Numb is normal at this point. I cried oceans of tears at the start of G's journey. It is a huge amount to process so please be gentle with yourself and let those emotions out. It's the strongest among us who show our emotions.
I've written a couple of community blogs for MacMillan that might help you at this point. Here's the links-
Caring for a partner with a brain tumour – a Community member’s story - Macmillan Online Community
“I’m fine”: how do you really cope as a carer? - Macmillan Online Community
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.
If there is anything I can support with at this point, please just ask. You can message me direct via the forum if you prefer a less public chat.
For now though I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and lots of strength. You are coping with this so much better than you are giving yourself credit for. (You'll just need to trust me on that)
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
