New suspected GBM diagnosis in my 74 year old mom
My family is very new to this and we’re trying to understand what may be ahead. I know no one here can diagnose or predict exactly what will happen, but I’m hoping to hear from people who have gone through something similar with an older parent.
My mom is 74. Over the past week, she started having new cognitive/memory issues. At first it was mostly trouble with numbers, medications, and remembering medication-related details. She was still oriented to the day/time, but she felt sick and weak. Over a few days, the confusion seemed to progress and there were concerns about motor skills/coordination as well.
Initially, there was some discussion of possible mini-stroke/TIA, but a CT scan found a brain mass. The report describes a lMy family is very new to this and we’re trying to understand what may be ahead. I know no one here can diagnose or predict exactly what will happen, but I’m hoping to hear from people who have gone through something similar with an older parent.
My mom is 74. Over the past week, she started having new cognitive/memory issues. At first it was mostly trouble with numbers, medications, and remembering medication-related details. She was still oriented to the day/time, but she felt sick and weak. Over a few days, the confusion seemed to progress and there were concerns about motor skills/coordination as well.
Initially, there was some discussion of possible mini-stroke/TIA, but a CT scan found a brain mass. The report describes a large heterogeneously enhancing mass involving the corpus callosum and extending into the medial left parietal lobe, measuring approximately 5.2 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm, with vasogenic edema and mild-to-moderate mass effect. The impression said it most likely represents glioblastoma multiforme, with lymphoma also in the differential but considered less likely. The report also noted no hemorrhage and no midline shift.
She is older, obese, and diabetic, so we’re worried about how much treatment she could realistically tolerate, especially surgery, chemo, radiation, steroids, etc. We are trying to get the right neuro/neurosurgery/neuro-oncology follow-up and understand what questions to ask.
For anyone who had a parent or loved one diagnosed around this age, especially with diabetes/obesity or other health issues:
- Was surgery or biopsy still offered?
- Did steroids help with confusion or motor symptoms?
- How quickly did symptoms progress before treatment?
- How did your family decide between aggressive treatment vs. comfort-focused care?
- What do you wish you had asked the doctors early?
- If treatment was declined or limited, what did the progression look like?
I know every case is different. I’m mostly looking for real-world experiences so my brothers and I can better understand what may be ahead and how to support her with as much dignity as possible. My family is very new to this and we’re trying to understand what may be ahead. I know no one here can diagnose or predict exactly what will happen, but I’m hoping to hear from people who have gone through something similar with an older parent.