Six years ago I'd never heard of GBM IV. Then the diagnosis of my Sis, then the research to find out what this thing is, which led me here. Why? did I hope for a cure? Was I looking for hope not found anywhere else? I'm not sure that I know, but the idea that others were going through similar, well, what are they? Issues? Not really strong enough.
It now seems that Pen will die. That's ok, we all do that. It's odd, though, when there has been so much hope, over more than five and a half years, that I can be so unprepared. The truth is, Glioblastoma multiforme IV kills.
When the best GP in the known world, Shayne Fennessey, was felled by this, it was unbelievable I mean that literally. Impossible to believe, so fast. Great man, can't happen to him.... So, when Pen managed to "beat" it, I suppose complacency set in. What fools we all were (we, as in those of us related to Pen; not aimed at anyone on this forum ).
Pen's second surgery was about eight weeks ago. She progressed extremely well, and we all were hopeful, and then she regressed.
I guess I was stupid in that I believed that, since the first op gave us five unlooked for years, then the second would do much the same. I guess the psy guys amongst us would call that denial. So what?
Pen's symptoms returned quite rapidly. She lost her speech, her balance went and her bladder control diminished. She went back to St V's, had an MRI... No further surgery is indicated...., so that's it.. Months left, with what? Well, her grandkids I guess.
This is a disjointed post, and I apologise. Pen is still here, but it's time only for her own family, which I respect. I cannot remember a sadder time, nor a braver person.
I will report developments, and I will be back from time to time. This forum is extremely important, even if it's only used for 'venting'. I thank you all for, well. everything.
Nobody knows what lies at journey's end when they set out. ( If that's a quote, I apologise ).
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