Francois and Josette

Francois and Josette

Linda

The day before Thanksgiving in 2008 my husband, Will (aka “Francois”) and I (aka “Josette”) had been together for about seven years. We married in 2007, bought a house, fixed it up with lots of help from family and friends and were planning a Mediterranean cruise. We were active runners and also enjoyed biking and hiking. We took frequent weekend trips and were always seeking our next adventure. Well, we got a new adventure – in the form of a GBM diagnosis the day before Thanksgiving 2008. Will worked as an IT tech and was unable to recall simple work tasks (like where the keys were on the keyboard). He put his shirt sleeve on his foot like a sock. He could not run, and he was an accomplished runner. He was unable to feel his right foot on the gas pedal of the car. The combination of all these things in a short few days got his attention and so off he went to see his doctor. MRI and CT scans were done the same day. On November 27, 2008 we learned that he had a “mass” on his brain. How could this be happening?

At first we had the usual questions – why us? Of course later our question was – why anyone? We had lots of support from family and friends. We learned to appreciate the days past of simply going to work and coming home. Gone were the carefree days of weekend mini-vacations, hiking trips to Tahoe and the coast, spur of the moment dinner out, attending family birthday parties, or summer evening concerts. We did have many positives we were grateful for. Will had great medical care. His daughter moved all the way from her home in Texas, dropped everything, to come and help and be with us. Our family, friends, and co-workers offered unending love and support. We were overwhelmed with kindness. Our faith in God was evident every single day of this frightening journey.

Will went home to heaven on April 26, 2010. We need to vigorously support all efforts to find better therapies and a cure! To all those who are suffering through this diagnosis and the loved ones who love and care for them, here’s to you. You all have a special place in my heart.

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.