What happens when you are given an "average" survival time?

[jamessparkwa]

Hi all, I was recently given an average survival time of 5 years after being diagnosed with stage 3 Glioma Brain cancer. My question is what can we expect with any time frame? I don't expect everything to be fine and dandy for 4 years and eleven months but do we generals have a couple of years of normality before it returns or is it something that usually comes back time and again, weakening you until you eventually succumb ? I expect everyone is different but If there's and average time there must be some sort of "average" way in which cancer behaves. Appreciate any feedback if possible. Cheers, James

[exhausted]

Dear James I can suggest a great blog for you to read. It's called My Unwelcome Stranger by a NSW man named Denis Wright. You could also google a man called David Bailey, he was a musician who had this tumour but left a great legacy behind. For our journey my husband showed personality changes long before he was diagnosed and the grand mal seizure he suffered which led to his diagnosis also heralded right sided weakness that only ever got worse. There is no standard answer, all are different but the harsh reality is that you will lose abilities over time so enjoy every day with all the joy you can muster. Best wishes to you and your family Terese.

[jamessparkwa]

Thanks Terese, hopefully the loss's will be minimal and later! Best wishes to you as well. James

[chinwag]

Hi James, my husband was diagonised with a grade 4 GBM & back on july 17 when he had his 1st op we asked Neuro, Oncologist & radium specialists how long did he have & they wouldn't say except that it would come back & on Aug 23 he had his 2nd op as the tumour had progressed rapidly so they put a drain in as well. on our last visit to Radium dr he asked the same question to be told 50% last 15mths the other 50% die. I think he was at peace to know a time span as we had read lots on this disease but he probably needed to hear it from a dr. I feel for you going down this road & hope you have someone to care for you like I am doing for Jeff. we have been married for 41 years and I am frightened of what lies ahead.

[cryotech]

You are so very brave people. I have just been diagnosed with a football size cancerous cyst on my ovary and a 6cm tumour on my kidney. A very big pain and I'm just in the process of getting specialist and the surgery. I'm definitely scared. Good luck and be brave and strong. My best for you both.

[cryotech]

You are so very brave people. I have just been diagnosed with a football size cancerous cyst on my ovary and a 6cm tumour on my kidney. A very big pain and I'm just in the process of getting specialist and the surgery. I'm definitely scared. Good luck and be brave and strong. My best for you both.

[raech_001]

Hi James, I'm wondering if you could do an update following on from your original post. Now you're a few years in you may have some information for those of us who are where you where? I've got a grade 3 glial tumour as well. Surgery went well enough and I'm about to start radiation and chemo (together) in a couple of weeks. How did you find your treatment and did you do anything alternative' to support it? Thanks, hope this finds you well. Raechel

[jamessparkwa]

Hi Raech,

Sorry for the delay, I haven't been on here for a while.

I had my operation in June 2013 and went through 6 weeks of radiotheray followed by 6 months of chemo'. The radio was a breeze with no side affects and the chemo was relatively easy bar one or two rough nights each round. Toward the end my blood count dropped like a stone and I had to have a couple of transfusions (top ups) to get me through.

I lost a bit of weight but only 5 - 6 kgs over the course of treatment (have since found this!).

I was offered all sorts of alternative and additional herbal remedies but at the end of the day, I think our Doctors know whats best and I hve been well since. I did have a seizure whilst driving in May last year but this has been treated with anti-seizure meds and I havent had any other problems.

Importantly, I am here, well and I don;t think too much about it anymore. I started my own business in March last year and I put myself under a fair bit (lot) of daily stress working 12 hour plus 7 days a week....

My prognosis has gone from an initial 5 years to 12 years plus now which is way over the horizon for me.

I think the key to it all is keep busy, positive and stay happy!

I hope this has helped you in your journey.