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My mother has been diagnosed with glioblastoma.
My mother’s name is Maria, she is 53 years old. Until November 12, 2025, she worked as an HR specialist. On that day, she came home for lunch and suddenly felt unwell — she experienced numbness in her right limb and confusion in her speech. She was taken to the hospital, where a CT scan showed a hemorrhagic stroke. Surgery was performed, and after a few days she regained consciousness.
A follow-up CT scan showed no abnormalities, and our whole family was relieved and believed she was recovering. We then completed a rehabilitation course together — her limb movement improved significantly, and her speech and cognitive function were gradually returning to normal.
However, late in the evening on January 17, 2026, my father called to say that my mother felt unwell again. She complained of facial numbness. This time, a CT scan revealed a tumor measuring 5 × 4 × 5 mm. Glioblastoma (WHO grade IV). I was shocked. I could not understand how no one had detected the tumor earlier, and it later became clear that it had likely been the cause of the initial brain hemorrhage.
Our neurosurgeon recommended another surgery, but we had to wait due to a large number of emergency cases. During this time, my mother was taking dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling. On January 29, surgery was performed, and the surgeons removed as much of the visible tumor as possible. Immunohistochemistry and molecular studies were also sent for analysis (results are still pending).
Our treating oncologist has recommended radiation therapy without chemotherapy, because my mother has “fluctuating platelet counts” (sometimes below 100). We are currently waiting to start radiation therapy.
I am asking for your help and guidance: what additional treatment options may be available to increase her chances of survival?
May God bless you. 🙏
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@randallshields56 Hello, now my mother is starting to feel better, she is moving more, but she still can't get up on her own, she started sleeping better at night after our doctor prescribed Lyrica
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1 Reaction@handyl1808 There will be a scheduled MRI at the end of this month, so I will let you know.
@judyandchloe I would be grateful for your information.
The battle your Mom/ and your whole family is facing now is being prayed over, your all so brave and strong. It gives me strength to keep up my pushing on for my daughter and two Sons, Im Gon Slay this every day. I get my strength in praying for my brothers and sisters of faith who have taken a hot from the enemy, this too shall pass in Jesus almighty name, Amen. I thank you for sharing your story, so much helpful information I didn't know. God bless you and keep you all healthy from the crown of your heads to the souls of your feet, Amen. Kindest regards, Gillian. ✝️♥️
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2 Reactions@jiryan May God bless you, I send you hugs 🙏♥️
Here are my glioblastoma books-info to understand what is going on now and in the future plus support for family, caregivers and friends
The Glioblastoma Survival Guide by Joseph Jones
Glioblastoma:A Guide for patients and loved ones by Gideon Burrows
Navigating Glioblastoma and High Grade Glioma by Dr. Thomas Gruber
This one I really liked
Complete Guide to Glioblastoma and Gliomas by Dr. Colt Water
Living With a Brain Tumor by Dr. Peter Black
Surviving Terminal Cancer (things an oncologist won’t tell you about)
By Ben A. Williams, PH.D
Here is some advice how to find these books: first I highly recommend using ThriftBooks.com-prices are great, you can get free shopping spending $15+
Alibiris.com
Amazon, of course
Book Riot
Etc.
Used online book stores are great-also Google the title you want and All the books available will pop up with the website store name that has it.
The more I know, especially from the patients perspective, the easier it has been for me. It’s rough reading about cancer but at least I can ask the right questions…
@handyl1808, thank you for the update and the other mentions. My days are hit and miss. But I believe in getting better. Im sure she tries harder for family as I also do and pray daily for strength to help those in need. Have a blessed day today 🙏
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2 Reactions@randallshields56 All hope is in God, and we must continue to pray and try to do everything to make things better🫂♥️
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1 Reaction@judyandchloe Thank you for the list. In another post you recommended Dr. Gruber's book. I am a retired RN but had many questions. This book answered some of them. My husband is in his 19th month since diagnosis and it has been tough. I will certainly more of the recommended books. Thanks again
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2 ReactionsAppreciate the response from you and will send prayers for healing to get
better 🙏 have a blessed day today 🙏