Hi Nelle, I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband died 12 months ago aged 52. He survived 13 months with brain cancer. Our children were 17, 18 & 20 at the time and I was 48. We'd been together for 28.5 years. To the outside world life has returned to normal. I work fulltime, present well, the kids are all at uni, but I feel really sad. It seems like yesterday he died. I joined an on line brain cancer forum when my husband was diagnosed and a group of us had husbands diagnosed and die at the same time. The best thing is they were people who REALLY knew what we were going through. Both my parents have died and I thought I knew about grief but I've discovered I had no idea. Nor does anyone who hasn't lost a partner. All I can say is whatever you feel...it's normal. It's your grief...and it's crappy! Take care of yourself, your kiddies, and know it's just really, really sad. ... View more

Hi beetlebum100, if you have any concerns, speak with your GP. They can organise further tests, and/or bring your appointment forward if they see fit. Take care ... View more

I'm so sorry Melanie... ... View more

Hi Raine, I'm so sad to hear about your cousin. Brain cancer is terrible! The emphasis for your cousin's care at this stage is to keep her as comfortable as possible. Her tumour and surgery has left her with a significant brain injury which is why she behaves as she does. Stimulation to improve brain function at this stage will not be helpful. The most important thing you can do for your cousin is just to be there for you cousin and her family. Having said that, they may prefer to be alone. Just ask her what she wants from you. All the best. ... View more

When my husband left work to go the the GP on 28/6/12 after dropping a drink bottle the previous day, he never returned. Within 2 days, I'd received over 400 texts. Word of mouth well and truly worked for us! ... View more

I'd better add we have never qualified for any Centerlink assistance. ... View more

Hi PA, We submitted all our medical receipts, health insurance statements, Medicare statements and flight details to our accountant as requested. There is some sort of tax offset although I don't know the details. Your accountant will be aware of this. ... View more

Hi min 1982, I'm sorry you've had to find yourself on this site. Our journey began 12 months after Groenvelt68's and I gained heaps of insight reading the posts from 2011/2012. Your mother in law's behaviour can be affected by fear, tumour position, dexamethasone....everything really. GBM is a terrible disease for all involved. As difficult as it is to accept the changed behaviour, your mother in law needs all the support and love you can give her.She may/may not be aware of her behaviour and she may/may not be able to control it. When my husband was diagnosed in June 2012, he found it really hard to cope with the way the dexamethasone made him feel. Fortunately he was aware of this and he would try to moderate his behaviour. As his dex was reduced he rejoiced. He never managed to be off it completely before recurrence 5 months later, and when the dose was increased, he felt he was able to control himself since he knew what to expect. Not everyone is able to do this so family and friends need huge amounts of patience and tolerance. My husband survived for 13 months despite treatment which included surgery x2, gliadel wafers, radiotherapy, temozolomide, antiepileptic drugs, and Avastin. He was also involved in a clinical trial. I wish you and your family all the very best. ... View more

Oh Minx, I'm so sorry. As you're aware, the rollercoaster continues as we navigate our new life. My thoughts are with you and your family. I wish you all the very best. xx ... View more

Oh you poor girls. By your standards, I'm geriatric. I'm 49 and my 52 year old husband recently died of brain cancer after living with it for 13 months. Our children are 17, 18, and 20 - much older than yours. I just thought I'd make the comment that brain cancer kills many young people, many of whom have very young children. Sadly, the prognosis is only 14 months so these families know from the outset the condition is incurable. There are many international online forums out there where young families discuss living with cancer. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to mention them here because it will take traffic away from this one. To find them just search for your type of cancer and young children. I discovered one when my husband was first diagnosed and I gained a huge amount of support from them. So many of us have transitioned to widowhood so we've moved onto the bereavement page their site offers. The age of people we chat to is about 30-55. There's one lady who's 64 but she's young at heart! New people ask about dealing with young children all the time. I wish you all the very best. ... View more