Hi, I'm new

kashrel · Regular Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 25

Hi All

I have just registered today after stumbling across cancer forums on the net. I feel relieved to be amongst people who are currently going through same or similar experiences and emotion.

My dad ( 65yo) was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma 2 weeks ago. He has suregry 24hours later and is still in hospital recovering. I have been devastated to see the changes in him, in particular his reduced cognitive functioning. Tonight he seemed on the ball however it is the first time in weeks.

I feel overwhelmed by what has happenned in the past 2 weeks. His deterioration was very sudden. He was diagnosed 10 days after he started showing signs of something being wrong.

Can anyone tell me after a craniotomy how long does it take for full recovery? the doctor says 6 weeks, would you all agree with this estimate?

Cheers
Karen Smile

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Karen
Melbourne

michelesmith · Experienced user Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 72

Kashrel,
Welcome to the forum. My dad also had GBM IV, but it was inoperable so I don't know about recoop times. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and let you know that there are a lot of really great people on here and we will be here as you go through this time.

Michele
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Michele

3coffeebeans · New User Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

Kashrel,

I am too chicken at this point to go through with my own crainiotomy. I know that there are several people that have had more than one and some have a speedy recovery....age and health have major factors. Of course like in my case where my motor strip is involved...if they get too close then I am looking at physical therapy as well...so each case is different. But if you hold tight someone who has had one or more will let you know their story!

Rox · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:08 pm Post subject: Re: Hi, I'm new

My dh had his first surgery 4 years ago. He was rearing to go back to work at 6 weeks. It took about a year for him to regain full function of his left hand. He is 37 now and getting his 2nd surgery next week. They will go closer to his motor strip, so his recovery may take longer. I think each recovery is individual as a prior post mentioned. I wish your dad the best.
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God is in control & He wants us to trust Him.

vintage · Regular Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Minnesota

Hello Karen~ Glad you found the forum. Like others have said, each person is diff. in their journey with GBM. My own Dad never really got back to his old self after his surgery. He could not do many of the things he enjoyed.

Lots of nice people on here who know how you feel and are willing to share with others anything that might help.

God bless you and yours......

Kevan
Dad diagnosed GBM IV Nov. 1995. Passed away Dec. 31 1996.
64 YO

mixednuts · New User Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

My mother was diagnosed with GBM IV in late January this year and had a full resection within a week. She was in the hospital for approximately a month recovering with physical,speach, and occupational therapy. After the month, she was fully recovered and returned home able to take care of all the tasks in her house (she is unable to drive due to some vision loss from the tumor).

She then began 6 weeks of Temodar/Radiation. She was very active for the first 4 weeks (hour walks everyday, full activities around the house). She began to lose her hair after week four and her energy declined slightly. She finished radiation last week and now has 6 weeks to recover before beginning round two of the Temodar with an increased dosage. We will get an MRI around the same time to see if any recurrance comes.

She is still recovering slightly from the 6 grueling weeks of treatment, but is in good spirits and is beginning to do spring chores around the yard.

It seems that response to the surgery and the treatment is unique to each individual, but I believe there is a lot to hope for.

Sammict · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 1:58 am Post subject: Re: Hi, I'm new

Hi Karen,

So sorry to hear about your Dad. It is an awful time for all involved. Glad you found the forum, it really helped me when I was going through this with my dad.

To be honest, my Dad was never really the "same" again after surgery, its hard to describe exactly but it was a like a piece of him was missing / had gone. He became very placid. That said everyday functions came back within about 2 weeks and by the time he started treatment 4 weeks after surgery he was great. But as many people here have said everyone is different, unfortunately with brain tumours there are no certainties.

Have they given you prognosis & treatment options yet?

Take care of yourself
Sam

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