Jump to content

Grade 3 inoperable glioma


serpico
 Share

Recommended Posts

A lifelong friend of mine was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. He's 46 years old and has a wife and three kids, all of whom are my kids' ages.

 

My friends and I are doing the usual fundraising to gather financial support, and we're hosting what looks to be a huge 5K this weekend. This is something we can help with, and we're getting a great response from our small, close-knit community.

 

However, I struggle with how and how often to communicate with my friend. Because he's a well-known member of this community and has impacted so many lives, I know that he and his wife have been inundated with calls, texts, visits, etc., and I don't want to overwhelm them.

 

Based on some online research, his prognosis is not good, but they are looking into different treatment measures. He or his wife will send a group text on occasion to let us know how things are going, and that's all the updates I need because the last thing they need is one more person prying into their lives.

 

I guess I'm asking for input from members whose spouses had cancer and potentially knew they didn't have long to live. That prospect isn't something I want to address with him, but if he brings it up I'll be glad to talk with him about it. He's the money manager in his family and his wife knows very little, and as a finance person who is also a widower, I think it's important for him to start passing on some information. I understand he's been reluctant to do so - thinking that he's going to beat this - and I don't really want to be the bad guy by bringing this up.

 

I want to do and say the right thing, but mostly I don't want to get in their way, anger them, or further complicate their situation. Any advice would be appreciated...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My husband died from GBM, a grade 4 terminal brain tumor.  If you'd like to talk more about my experience and what I didn't know I needed at the time to help my husband walk that path and to make things easier for my daughter and me after he was gone, I would be happy to share via pm, messenger or the telephone.  Just let me know.  Mostly, as the caregiver, the hardest thing for me was keeping a lot of the really unpleasant stuff secret while also living his cancer very publicly which is what my husband wanted (he, too, was a figure in this community).  Living that "double life" took a very serious toll on me that reverberates to this day.  If I can offer anything, I gladly will.  I am sorry to hear this news about your friend.  Christine

 

ETA: my husband believed he was going to beat it until the very end.  This made it very difficult to be the caregiver, so I understand that piece of it, too. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Serpico,

 

Sorry to hear of your friend. My husband died of GBM - Glioblastoma Multiforme, grade 4. There may be no worse disease. Sadly, you are probably correct in the prognosis, although there are some long-term survivors, and hope is essential.

 

Brain cancer is like no other in because it affects the brain, which of course controls everything. Symptoms are far-ranging depending on where the tumor is, as well as other factors such as swelling, treatment effects, and so much more. His cognition, memory, processing, retention, judgment, behavior, motor control, hearing, vision, and so much more may be compromised and ever-changing, on a day-by-day and even minute-by-minute basis.

 

That's a short way of saying you may not be dealing with the friend you once knew. His capacities may already be diminished, even if it doesn't appear that way. Trying to have a financial conversation with him, may be fruitless, and invasive, and frankly may best saved for when/if his future widow seeks assistance and/or advice. If it were me, I would simply reassure your friend and his wife that you are available to help them if/how/when they want/need you.

 

As far as how to help now, you may want to pass on to the wife that the American Brain Tumor Association has a caregiver (and patient) mentor program where they are matched one-to-one with a support person that has been there, because truly the disease is a bear to navigate.

 

abl

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I also want to add...

Many of our friends stepped too far back when my husband was sick. We both felt abandoned by many friends who felt uncomfortable as we truly were living everybody's worst nightmare, those that didn't know what to do so they disappeared, and those who just couldn't handle it. My husband really appreciated every card and letter he received, as well as every offer of help such as delivering meals, taking him to ballgames, taking him to appointments, etc. He couldn't drive from day one of diagnosis, so everything fell onto me, while also managing small kids. For some of his illness I couldn't leave him alone.

 

I suggest you offer to take their kids places, bring them toys and books, take them for sleepovers. Bring them staples and leave them on their front porch. Keep in mind that this disease changes so rapidly that it may be hard (and stressful) for them to plan anything in advance. Simply calling and saying 'hey, we're off to the 4:00 showing at the movie, can we pick up your kids?', and if they say no, don't let that stop you from asking another time.

 

You and your friends could show up and tend to their yard, ask if they need any repairs inside, trade cars so you can take theirs in for service...those type of things make a huge difference.

 

Also put together an on-call list for them, so they know who to reach out to if he has a seizure or a fall or goes to the ER, etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm very sorry to hear about your friends diagnosis.

 

My husband had a very different type of cancer but we went pretty quickly from full on fighting mode to being forced to acknowledge it was terminal.

My husband was well known and loved in our community and I think people responded to the way he chose to handle his diagnosis.  He had me open a Caring Bridge Site that I updated frequently and it gave people an opportunity to share their well wishes and prayers without feeling like they were overwhelming us with calls and texts.  Each time he was in the hospital he encouraged visitors.  Towards the end he had me invite friends and family over for a sort of open house and everyone had a chance to pay their respects to him and he had a chance to leave nothing left unsaid.  It was beautiful and I think atypical the way he chose to handle it.

 

Follow the lead your friend gives.  Texting or sending hand written notes that don't require a response are a way to let him know you care and are there without the pressure for him to respond.  Offering specific things like "I want to drop off dinner on Thursday, would you like me to leave it in a cooler at your door or I can pop in for 10 minutes". I had friends and family take shifts staying with him for a day so I could attend my niece's graduation party and get a much needed break.  Friends anticipated needs to give my kids rides to activities or to invite my kids out to give them a break without me having to ask.

 

As far as preparing things financially, it can be brought up as a good idea in case his treatments become too involved for him to manage and his wife needs to temporarily take over.  We tried this with my Dad who was in denial about his prognosis(it didn't work and mom was left under prepared).  My husband, a finance guy, set up meetings with our lawyer, his HR department and his business partner so he could prepare me while he was still alive.  That was awful for me at the time but of course I was grateful later.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am sorry about your friend.  Just wanted to support what others have said- there are lots of good ideas here.  My DH never accepted his terminal prognosis (not glioma, although there were mets to his brain later), so I had to come up with creative ways to ensure that some of the administrative things I needed to be dealt with were, like a will, making all our accounts joint, etc.  If you know his wife well enough, that honestly might be the best person to coach or offer financial advice to, out of hearing of your friend if possible if he does not raise those things with you himself. 

 

I would not assume that because you have a tight-knit community and he is well-known that they are being adequately supported or, if they are now, that it will continue to be this way after the great efforts you are making in fundraising plateau.  Friends SCATTERED, even close ones.  It was just too much.  Where we did receive help over the 4+ years, the best was in respite, people proactively offering to sit with my husband and small child so I could get out to do errands or just breathe, and in (again) proactive help- not waiting to ask but just doing things, like gardening or dropping off food.  As a caregiver, it was a relief not to ask for help but for help to come. 

 

For my husband, when he became house-bound, he really wanted company but again would never have thought to ask.  He heartbreakingly did not want to be a burden on anyone, not that he was.  He liked to just sit with people; he wanted undemanding company.  He didn't want to talk about cancer, or his non-future, or beating the odds.  He wanted normal conversation and to pretend it was not happening for a bit.  As the person on the other end of the conversation, this can be tough as it is surprising how much we actually talk about future things, and my husband had trouble coping with future talk, knowing he would not be present.  The past is a safe zone, and you might revive some good memories that you might be able to share with his wife and kids later.  My husband liked to look at photos with friends and family, and I did that kind of project with him to ensure his memories of the events in them were captured for our child.  While he was well enough, he got into RPG video games on the computer to pass the time as he was not mobile.  Music became a source of comfort.  My husband loved vintage cars- one thing I organized with the local Jaguar group but could not follow through with because he was too ill was an outing in his favourite model of Jag (1963 e-Type)- I reached out to the local club and someone generously agreed to take him for a spin. That kind of thing.  Try to help him have some fun.  I hope this helps.  Good luck. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This thread is bringing a lot of stuff back up for me - this was the time of year my husband got his diagnosis, too.  Anyway, I wanted to underscore one thing.  About half a dozen people identified themselves as people willing to do just about anything for us and I leaned on them.  Others helped but those half a dozen people (and their families) said: just tell me what you need and we'll do it.  And they did.  They put in a huge vegetable garden for us (we always had one and I couldn't manage on my own); they came and sat (this coming and sitting thing became very important toward the end - it was like a 3 month 24/7 open house at our place); one person helped my husband keep working in his studio until he could no longer stand; others came and sat at hospice while I was at work and couldn't be there.

 

If you are comfortable approaching his wife, I would do so.  Brain cancer does change the person into not just someone unrecognizable but in my case someones unrecognizable.  It is traumatizing not to know who your spouse is going to be from day to day.  My husband's absolute, determined denial did not help either.  I will never fully recover from it but I had a very loyal, small coterie of people who I let in to help me through it - the personality changes, the falls, the ER visits, the delusions and paranoia, the denial, etc. - and keep me steady (ish).  She will appreciate knowing you have the mettle (and having been through losing your wife, I know you do) to be one of those friends.  She will need that support. 

 

I hope this makes sense; I still have trouble talking about it. 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

My husband did not have this cancer, but he had another.  One that had a prognosis of death.

 

But there seems to be this idea that one “fights” cancer.  Fights it with the belief of victory, as If you just believe and try and fight and have a “winner’s attitude” you will be the victor.

 

Maybe it is just too hard to face. I don’t know.  It wasn’t me that was dying.

 

Sorry, I’m off on a tangent here.

 

There is so much wisdom in the responses to your original question.

 

My advise would be to listen to your friend and let him be the guide as to how he is handling this. Talk about what he wants to talk about.  If he wants to talk about a future where he is still here, go for it.  Make plans for next year with him.  Mostly treat him as if he is still a part of this world

 

THIS:

 

 

For my husband, when he became house-bound, he really wanted company but again would never have thought to ask.  He heartbreakingly did not want to be a burden on anyone, not that he was.  He liked to just sit with people; he wanted undemanding company.  He didn't want to talk about cancer, or his non-future, or beating the odds.  He wanted normal conversation and to pretend it was not happening for a bit.  As the person on the other end of the conversation, this can be tough as it is surprising how much we actually talk about future things, and my husband had trouble coping with future talk, knowing he would not be present.  The past is a safe zone, and you might revive some good memories that you might be able to share with his wife and kids later.  My husband liked to look at photos with friends and family, and I did that kind of project with him to ensure his memories of the events in them were captured

 

And THIS:

 

you may not be dealing with the friend you once knew. His capacities may already be diminished, even if it doesn't appear that way. Trying to have a financial conversation with him, may be fruitless, and invasive, and frankly may best saved for when/if his future widow seeks assistance and/or advice. If it were me, I would simply reassure your friend and his wife that you are available to help them if/how/when they want/need you.

 

 

And THIS

 

 

I would not assume that because you have a tight-knit community and he is well-known that they are being adequately supported or, if they are now, that it will continue to be this way after the great efforts you are making in fundraising plateau.

 

 

 

Bless you for wanting to help.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He's the money manager in his family and his wife knows very little, and as a finance person who is also a widower, I think it's important for him to start passing on some information. I understand he's been reluctant to do so - thinking that he's going to beat this - and I don't really want to be the bad guy by bringing this up.

 

My DH passed suddenly, but my step mother has brain tumours and my father recently passed away.  The amount of information my step siblings should have had but didn't about their mothers condition when my dad passed away was astounding.  I live 3 hours away from them but my Dad told me everything, from her meds to appointments and all the financial stuff.    I think it was easier for him to talk to me because I've been there and know that information is so important to have.   

 

My step mothers tumours caused seizures and fairly significant memory issues, and most symptoms came of very quickly. 

 

I had to sit my step siblings down the day after my dad's funeral and go through everything step by step.  NONE of them wanted to hear it and it sucked.  My step brother called every day for weeks for new information and thanked me eventually for having the tough conversations.

 

I don't think there is an easy way to have these conversations, but an opening could be (with the wife), "when my wife passed away I wish I had known these things....passwords, bank accounts whatever...."

 

I'm sorry for you and your friend.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

My wife's GBM started in Aug. 2010 and she is the few, like 3% that live over 3 years after it's found.  She lived 3 yrs. and 2 weeks passing away at home.   Her last day here she made funeral arrangements,  made a very nice meal and passed the next day.   She was positive that she would beat it until leukemia showed up in Mar. 2013.  Then positive attitude because we had a good bone marrow donor.  But she turned acute,  brain cancer was coming back and Monday after Fathers Day we called it good and let it run it's course.  Avastin was fantastic and bought us another year but eventually the end will come.   Be supportive of your friend,  allow him to say and ask anything,   be sincere in offering any help you can take care of.   Please encourage him to have ALL paperwork in order,  even funeral arrangements  " Just in Case ".   It was soooo helpful to the survivors of both my wife and her Dad that I then became his full time  caretaker also.  About 3 months before Pam passed away she wanted to see our financial adviser and tax man because she wanted to know the life insurance,  other papers and her Dads Trust was the way she wanted.  Please encourage your friend to make sure his wife knows where papers are and has it as he wants,  " just in case ".   It's a true showing of his Love for his family to do so.  Once they pass then the real crap raises it's ugly head.   Thankfully my wife did it on her own and I saw the blessing and value of Pam getting everything in order.  Fallow the others wise suggestions from here too.   Sorry about your friend,    Jeff 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I agree with everyone saying not to be a stranger. Ask them what they need. Tell them you are willing to help in any way. They might be overwhelmed now, but that support will fade quickly. 

 

My husband was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He had aggressive chemo treatments immediately. The local hospital transfered him to a cancer center three hours from where we lived. I stayed with him there for three weeks. He always took care of our finances, so I brought all of that with me. He showed me how he did things. By the time we went home I basically took over our finances so he didn't have to worry about it. 

 

Maybe approach the topic in a different way. Remind him that he is going to have bad days during treatment. Days where he won't feel up to doing much at all. It would be one less thing for him to worry about, and it would be beneficial to his wife to know how he does things. One less thing for her to worry about as she helps care for him. Then he can take over the finances when he's up to it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...

My friend is being brought home today for his final days/weeks. The family has been praying for either a miracle or a quick and painless end, and it looks like they're going to get the latter of the two. I hope to spend some time with him this weekend. It's so strange that he's walking and talking and mostly making sense but they say he could literally go at any time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Serpico, I'm so sorry that his passing is apparently fast approaching. Prayers for a quick and comfortable passing for your friend when his time comes. My LH and oldest sister both passed from cancers; I know what it's like to pray for loved ones to depart once it's extremely clear there'll be no earthly healing and you see them suffer. 

 

Prayers for peace and comfort for his family and friends.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Serpico. I can clearly hear my dh in my head right now saying the one thing that hurt him the most was how everyone treated him like he had the "plague". He just wanted to be treated like they always did, ya know?

So tell him bye, say the things you want to say. Like you will miss him , etc.   Ask him if there is anything he would like you to do perhaps for him after he is gone. 

Other than that, just be yourself. Have a beer with him if that is what the two of you used to do. And don't forget to enjoy the time you have with your friend....

I'm sure you will be awesome...

Again, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, and so sorry for his family....

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, as sudnlysngl said, absolutely, whatever is an option from how you used to hang out would be so great!!! Treat him as your friend like you always have, alongside of keeping with his hospice care plan. End of life comfort care may involve various medications which need to be taken into consideration.

 

For whatever it's worth, (or not), I never have said goodbye.  I've said, " 'til next time," or "I'll see you soon." In our views of eternity, we've been good with that in my family, but that's my situation. Just say what you feel needs to be said between you guys, or whatever you feel is fitting for him/his family if they're present. Every situation is different, but I'm sure you'll be able to find the best path for your friend and yourself. At the end of the day, we just do what we can, knowing we can't change just how bad this hurts when all is said and done. And my sympathies to you and the rest of his loved ones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.