Hello @lahnlaw Nice to e-meet you here. I am Scott and I will start by saying I sympathize with your concerns about your gramps. I was the primary caregiver for my wife while she fought brain cancer for 14+ years. She, too, got her second opinion at Mayo after her initial diagnosis at the Northwestern University Hospitals in Chicago when she was 49..
While I do not know anything more than what you posted here I will share just a couple of thoughts based on my experiences with my wife.
First, do not ever lose hope.
Second, do not think of hospice as 'throwing in the towel'. My wife was in home hospice care (after her Mayo neuro-oncologist prescribed it) for 14 months, when they thought she wouldn't live 5. It was wonderful, patient-centered care that far, far, far exceeded any of her prior care from her local GP. It gave her confidence, support, quicker adjustments, and as I said true patient-centered care.
Third, be sure you talk though any and all major decision points with your grandpa if those haven't already been addressed -- final wishes,
living will, POA, etc. They were tough talks for my wife and I to have, but in the end it greatly helped her and our family members.
Please feel free to ask any questions you might have --- and remember you are not alone in this journey even though it often feels like it.
Peace & strength!
Thanks Scott. I appreciate your reply and your encouraging words. It has been a tough week, but I am sure we have tougher ones ahead. I must continue to remember that this is not in my hands and that I am powerless when it comes to determining or directing the outcome. However, I will remain hopeful and positive, and pray that my family can do the same. All the best to you.