GBM Victim

mzd · New User Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

Hi, I am Marsha.....and I don't know if I will even be welcome on your forum.....because my story is over....and so quickly....a week and a day ago my husband of 49 and a half years died....really from treatment of a brain tumor which had been diagnosed on June 17, with minor symptoms.
We were shocked, but he had very successful surgery on 6/20....gross total resection w/no residue on post-op MRI......no deficits from the surgery, and he was sent home 3 days later....we went to a big party 2 days later, and he continued his 3x week work-outs at the gym and his 35 or 40 laps in the pool.....did radiation and chemo (Temodar) for 6 weeks, but around the third week, the problems began.....not w/the aforementioned, but w/steroids, the "wicked" drug....they sapped all his large muscles so he could barely get up the steps, caused diabetes, and more...went in hospital on 9/8 for terrible weakness and on 9/9, he began seizing (never had had a seizure).....put in a pharmacological-induced coma and the seizing stopped....he came out the meds slowly and w/no energy even to talk....pneumonia set in w/all sorts of infection and fungi...
tried all antibiotics, but he died (peacefully and quietly) on the 23rd....I am
still in disbelief, shock, guilt, anger, and overwhelming saddness....I cannot sleep; thus this 1:11 AM e-mail.....my daughters, who have medical backgrounds, keep assuring me that he was spared possible terrible pain, suffering, deficits, and indignities....I try to think of it, but I cannot imagine life w/o him......Marsha

ksplat · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 5:38 am Post subject: GBM Victim

Welcome Marsha
Although none of us should find ourselves here, sometimes it can't be helped.
I am so very sorry to read your story about your Dear Husband. This was very cruel to have him around for such a short time. I can't imagine how you are feeling now. With all these mixed emotions!
I too lost my Bro on 23rd Sep to GBMIV, we are "kindred" in some small way.
My prayers & thoughts are with you. I cannot offer anything more, I am feeling quite fragile myself at the mo. Take each day as it comes, don't look too far forward.
Take comfort in the words of your daughters (very wise). Sending my hugs to you at this time.
God bless you & yours,
Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

brainman · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject: Re: GBM Victim

Marsha, of course you are welcome! Anyone who has been touched by this terrible disease is welcomed to our community.

I am so sorry about your husband's death. My mother died because of a GBMIV in 1998... only two months after her diagnosis. The major difference between your husband and my mother is that unlike your husband, my mother opted for no treatments other than palliative care. She died peacefully with my father and me by her side.

I live in the house where my parents lived for so long. I can still hear my mother in the kitchen Smile

. I can slime about it because the memories that at one time were so painful are now sweet memories of a wonderful mother.

You are in me thoughts and prayers during the very hard time in your live.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Glioblastoma · Regular Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 18

I am so sorry for your loss Marsha. My father has GBM grade IV and probably does not have much time left. I will pray for you every day.

mzd · New User Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

Thank you so much.....I will be thinking of you also...How old is your father and how long has he had the diagnosis? My husband was diagnosed "out of the blue" on June 17, had his craniotomy on June 20, and died on Sept 23......he really had no pain or suffering----just the incredible weakness from the steroids....and he never experienced any deficits from the tumor or the surgery....so those are good things, but I am so devastated and miss him so much that I do not yet take comfort in those things.....I went for help last week and have another appointment tomorrow because I cry constantly and cannot imagine life w/o him.....I hope for you that whatever happens, you are able to focus on all the good things/times you had with your father....and I hope he is able to maintain his dignity through it all, as my husband was.....Marsha

mzd · New User Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

Angie....I did not reply to your message (at least I think not)....but I did appreciate it and wanted to see how you are doing since we are both at the same point in time.....exactly 4 weeks ago today; in fact, for me it is just 45 minutes short of that milestone.....I am still not doing well, and I think it gets worse every day for me, in spite of my 3 daughters and wonderfully supportive friends....aside from missing him so much, I am torn apart by the thoughts of all that HE is missing.....I am told I will feel better in time.....are you feeling any better yet? Marsha

Glioblastoma · Regular Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 18

My father is 54 years old and was diagnosed on June 5th. His dignity is pretty much out the window because of side effects from chemo, radiation, steroids, etc. but he has maintained his awesome sense of humor Laughing

The doctors never gave us much hope from day 1 so we have come to accept the fact that he will not beat this disease Sad

I know the hardest part will be the holidays and the fact that he wont get to see grandchildren grow up. This is his caring bridge page if you want to check it out:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/reidaverill

I wish I could give you a big hug right now Smile

mzd · New User Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

What a beautiful family you are! And, I must say, how much you remind me of ours.....Dick, too, had 5 grandchildren and one on the way....and, yes, one of the worst parts is knowing that he will not be here to see them grow up....and, more crushing, that they will not know him.....I keep hearing how they will not forget him because we have stories and pictures and video, etc.......but frankly, that does not comfort me (maybe it will someday)......You obviously knew and accepted the gravity of the diagnosis; I knew what a GBM was, but Dick seemed to be an "out-lier" because within the diagnosis, every step was as good as it could be.....
therefore, being an optimist, I went through this w/a very positive attitude, and I wonder now if that was a mistake....we never expected him not to leave the hospital....and I am still in shock from his death....I
loved seeing all the enjoyment, life, and love your father was receiving....and giving.....in the photos.....all the best to all of you, Marsha

Glioblastoma · Regular Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 18

I know what you mean about being an optimist. My mom still prays that my dad will "beat this". On the other hand, my sister says things like "he is going to die so spend all the time you can with him, love him". I think my sister feels that we should "expect the worst" so if we get good news we will be happy but if we get bad news it wont be a shock.

Thank you for your kind words about my family Very Happy

Dick had a grandbaby on the way? I am so sorry he passed before the baby was born but I believe that he will be right there with you all in spirit and you will all be together again one day Wink

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