Glioblastoma: My husband's journey, what's yours?
My partner Bill was diagnosed with a glioblastoma on 9/11/23 after experiencing sudden cognitive issues headache for about 12 hours.No seizures.A trip to the ER found a tumor 3.2 cm and was located on the right occipital. He was put on steroids and anti seizure meds to reduce swelling while awaiting surgery. The steroid reduced the swelling and symptoms.The tumor was affecting his vision and still does so no driving. A craniotomy was done in October. He recovered well. Visited gym 4 times a week, a little golf and easy hikes. Still was having vision and cognitive issues. Chemo and radiation 3 weeks. Did well. No signs of spreading. Started oral chemo January 5/5 days each month for 6 months. Increased dosage since he handled initial dosage well. Takes anti nausea meds with. Still visiting gym, golfing and easy hikes. Having first MRI in March to check on growth. Fingers crossed🤞🏻. Just trying to enjoy each day we have. Biggest issue for us is the not knowing when things will change.
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You are very brave. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing your story.. I wish you and your family the best…
My husband is on his chemo main ( 5 dys on, 23 off)
His gbm was in left parietal area. It was totally resected in July. He had IMRT raf. ( proton) and Temodar..
He’s had 2 MRIs and they’ve been clear, his next one is 3/25. He’s nervous about it, however, hes doing well and tolerates the Temodar well. He gets tired but he has a little more energy than when he did radiation.
We, too, count our blessings and realize a higher being is in charge of our life.. we are being positive and living well, enjoying simple things in life, the outdoors, nature, ice cream,mpizza, walking…
He is 71 and I’m 67…
Bless you and your family.
Thanks for the positivity…don’t give up!
I am so glad I found this forum ! My husband had a mass removed a month ago. It was glioblastoma. Waiting for the cancer center to get him going with radiation and the chemo pill. He is feeling great and seems to be taking this better than me . He is 75 and has always been healthy ! I have been so hesitant to even look online to learn more. Afraid of what I will read ! I do know it is aggressive . But something led me here and I am glad !
Thank you😊
Today we had the 2nd MRI…thankfully no progression. Ready for 3rd round of 5 days of oral chemo…after returning from a much needed vacation to Cancun Sunday 😊Thanks all for listening and words of encouragement
Welcome back, @onewyldbeemer. Good to hear from you. You might wish to check out this related discussion:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) trials and therapeutic devices (Optune)
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gbm-trials-ttfields-brain-device/
How are you doing with Optune?
Welcome, @beth1952. Did your husband start treatment since you last posted? What type of radiation and chemo will be be doing? How are YOU doing?
Thanks Colleen ! My husband started this week with radiation along with the chemo pill , Temodar. He is doing fine so far. He has a good attitude and that helps me deal with it . Doing a LOT of praying !
How is your husband doing now? I see he was diagnosed about 18 months ago. It is great to see some GBM patients on here doing well after many months. My husband wasn’t so fortunate. He lasted three months. I keep hoping a “cure” will be found so others don’t have to experience what we did. I wish you my best and I hope he keeps doing well.
My daughter was diagnosed with GBM in 2019 at the age of 39. Had surgery removed most of it. Had no deficits post op. She had standard of care temodar, radiation therapy and trials that really have helped. She was to start the Tango Therapeutics trial, but it has a very specific criteria that she did not meet regarding her DNA sequencing. She never had a seizure until 6 months ago. She is on Keppra. She started in Avastin. No side effects so far. Does anyone have any experience with Avastin? I would love to hear about your experiences. Stay positive. Tons of research going on!
My husband was diagnosed in April 23. He had two seizures and on the second we got an MR and it was diagnosed. He had the usual protocol with Surgery of the Temporal lobe. His surgery was successful with very little damage to cognition or physical. He was a healthy person to start. He is on seizure meds and some off-lable medicines that on low dose my have anti Glio effects. He did have a set-back with his last dose of Temazolamide and it has never been the same. He had cluster seizure episode Christmas Eve and ended up in the ER all night. He is 90% himself. I think it maybe more the seizure meds than anything else. He had on and off nausea and some issues with what he calls a Wawa sound in his head when he gets up too quickly. He is still sharp and reads and takes walks. He has a tremor in his left hand and arm. He goes for his next MR soon. The last few have been good. He is 71 and was an active cyclist and businessman. We got a new Oncologist and a new Epileptologist and they are both great and we feel better now that we made that change. Some of the meds were changed for the seizures. It is hard living day to day, it is a challenge to live in the now. I am thinking of you all and wishing you the best. Thank you for sharing.