Hi Rain76, Sorry to hear about your husband but thanks for sharing. I sort of want to know things that could happen in the future so I can look out for all the signs and be prepared. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you but I hope you still have some good times together. In a way, it's good for him that he doesn't really know what's happening. It was quite hard for my partner when he couldn't speak for nearly two weeks. That time he knew and was aware of everything. He understood things people said to him but he couldn't speak nor write. What came out didn't make sense and sometimes sounded like he didn't know how to speak. The notes that he wrote are all cryptic. He was locked inside his own body and was very depressed. I know it's nothing compare to what you and your husband are experiencing at the moment and I have no idea how to cheer you up. I hope this journey is not too hard on both of you. Big hug for you Rain. ... View more

Hi Jan, Initially, I didn't understand why you had to pay for surgery and many other things. Just had a look at your blog and I now know why. In a way, Australian public system seems to be better than the States. We pay for some drugs (Dex, Somac, Temodar) at subsidised price. The surgery and everything else (radiotherapy, MRI, appointments with radiologist and oncologist) seem to be covered by Medicare as we are in public system. We pay the gap for second opinion with a specialist. However, with Avastin, as it is not in the PBS for GBM we have to pay full price. I think it is listed in PBS for different cancer types though. The government doesn't think it is worth the money for people with GBM. That's probably why they don't want to get him MRI scan too often to save cost perhaps. Take care. HUGS! ... View more

Ahh I just read your blog and now understand why you have so many expenses. You live in the USA! Do you have to pay so many bills even if you are in public system? ... View more

Well, you have a decision to make and it's up to you to decide what feels right for you. When my dad had some health issues and were hospitalised, I didn't know this at all. My family is not in Australia and they thought there was not much I could do. It would be expensive to fly back to see dad but I do believe it is my decision not theirs. I'd rather be the one who decides what I want to do and live with the consequence. Now that I'm on another side of the fence, I can only encourage my partner's kids to spend time with their dad as much as possible as we don't know how long he has even though he believes that he will be around for years. It is now up to them to decide. ... View more

Thanks Silly and Rubes. I feel better now as the wait was over. Nurses at the new places are nice and accommodating. It's quite a blessing to find nice people who asked about our concerns and tried to address it. ... View more

This is interesting! My partner is keen on complementary therapy but I feel we should wait until all the conventional one isn't an option any longer. What I learnt in the past few months is, there is GBM and there is worse type of GBM. I guess it's more about the match of your GBM and the drug you get. In my partner's case, his GBM hasn't found the other half yet. I hope Avastin will be it. ... View more

Dotty, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. ... View more

benefr, I sent you a private message with Ben's email. Have you got it? ... View more

Thanks Wombat4. The wait is nearly over. I remember someone said this journey is an emotional rollercoaster ride. ... View more

That's not a good news about your friend but everyone is different. Hope for the best possible outcome! ... View more