My Dad

My Dad

Debbie

My Dad was diagnosed with GBM May 2012. He had what we thought was a seizure, and after testing found out it was a brain tumor. He had surgery to remove it on May 18, 2012. He was started on radiation and oral chemo therapy. He did ok for a while. He became forgetful and sometimes his words would not come out right. As time went on he developed blood clots in his legs which made it hard for him to walk.

He was back in the hospital in Feb 2013(actually Super Bowl Sunday) and never came home again. He was placed in hospice in May 12, 2013 and passed away on May 13,2013. The months he spent in the hospital were the hardest of our lives and his too. His speech became worse and worse, as did his mobility. A man that was bigger than life, with the heart as big as the world, was now getting help to go to the bathroom. It was very hard for all of us, but for me the man who was “the wind beneath my wings” was slipping away and I am a nurse and could not help him. It was and will always remain the most devastating time in my life. He was and will forever be the best man in my life. The brain tumor was the worst thing imaginable. He wanted a second opinion to discuss gamma knife, and the Physician, thank God, told us it would not help. I really do not think he would have made it through. We , and me being selfish, wanted him as long as possible.

Thank you for all you are doing for this disease. I applaud and support all your efforts.

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