Offering hope: Dad's journey with Glioblastoma stage 4

I thought this may give others some hope.

My Dad 72 was diagnosed last April 2024 with a GMB stage 4 after having some vauge episodes and we felt something wasnt quite right, got him in for a scan to find an egg sized tumor in his frontal lobe, 2 weeks later we seen the specialist who said it was a suspected GMB, one week following that he had surgery to remove it, as dad is very fit and healthy for his age they felt surgey would be a good option.

we were given the options - symptom controll he would last 3-6 months.
biopsy and radiotherpy 6-9 months
crainiotomy 12 months !

As you can imagine our world fell apart. Dad is very hisotic and wants to live not letting this stop him at all, so HE said i want the operation. After the operation Dad was churpy and back to his old self, he didnt seam to have any side effects, just tiredness to be expected.

He came home two days later and was back to trying to work on the house ! he got a post op blood clot in his lung, which nearly killed him. He then started radiotherapy 6 weeks post operation, 5 days a week for 6 weeks, alongside daily chemo tablets and no progression was seen. Then he started on chemotherapy medication he has been on this for nearly 6 months on the full dose, he takes tablets for 5 days once a month. he hasnt been unwell or sick, hes just feels tired the week after taking it.

So far his scan is clear as to be expected.

Chemo will stop in Feb and he will have another scan then he is to have 3 months off treatment and review.

The hardest part for my Dad is not being able to drive, being in the motor trade all of his life, owns a harley and campervan this is the most heartbraking part for him, having to rely on my mum to take him places. But he is doing so well, you wouldnt even know this has happened or is happeing to him. I feel mind set has a huge part to play in this, he will not be defeated without a dam good fight.

As a nurse myself i was very sceptical at the begining being realistic of what to expect, counting down the months, wathcing and waiting for deteroration, but he has exceeded any of that, and nothing i read or have been told adds up to how he is doing.

It really is an individul's fight.

We were told he had a year! i dont belive that to be the case, we are 8 months post Crainiotomy and he is doing fine so far.

We have all gotten into a new grove of living with this, it helps that since this my Dad has become a great grandfather, and He has his grandsons wedding to look forward to in march 2026, these mile stones of wanting to live give him a goal to strive for.

As hard as it is to see and know he is thinking is this my last thing the will to live is incredable, just seeing this now as an insider i have a new admiration for people. it is so easy to look on the downside and dwell in the darkness. I am truly thankfull for everyday i get to see my Dad.

We dont know what tomorrow brings, i can only tell of our journey as it happens so far.
i wish you all well, those struggling with GMB xx