Stroke & brain tumor: How to help my husband who can't speak?

Posted by lisamg @lisamg, Aug 9 1:12pm

My 70-year-old husband had a glioblastoma tumor removed in January of 23. He had a recurring tumor removed in June of 25. He has had 2 rounds of radiation and chemo. He has recently had a stroke. I am hoping for someone’s opinion on how they have dealt with helping cope. I feel like I am at a total loss of what to do. My husband has a very difficult time speaking. Often I don’t understand what he is trying to tell me. I often get “I don’t know “ to any question that I have. Any help out there would be much appreciated. Thanks

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 1 day ago

@lisamg, I pulled your comment into its own discussion in the Brain Tumor support group as well as the Stroke support group. You are asking good questions and I hope you will get additional tips and support from caregivers who have been there, like @mscarepartner @kjsthljc1 and others.

It must be so challenging for both you and your husband when you are not able to understand what he is tring to tell you. It sounds like you feel very alone and without support. I'm wondering if the cancer center where your husband is being treated has social workers that could help you. Oncology social work in an often overlooked service. Socail workers can help connect you with the resources you need. You may find this blog post, written by the Mayo Clinc oncology social work team, helpful to learn more
- How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/

Has a speech language therapy been suggested for your husband? Or stroke rehab?

kjsthljc1 | @kjsthljc1 | 1 day ago

My husband, 74, initially had a seizure after waking one morning non verbal. After two weeks of silence and tons of prayers, he suddenly became verbal again and was able to opt for surgery. We were very hopeful he would get more time but sadly after his surgery he was never the same. He barely spoke, could no longer figure out simple things like the TV remote. After just a few short weeks he had a stroke and it was the same thing all over again,
non verbal. He never made it to the six weeks of daily radiation and chemo suggested by his oncology team. I lost him, never speaking again, May 12th, just 45 days from initial diagnosis. I am in this group as well as a grief support through church but it is the most difficult thing I have ever had to go through. We would have been married 57 years in October. I will pray for you and your family through this journey.