Today I received the results of my biopsy and met with the oncologist. The removed tumour was the primary of the most aggressive form of GBM i.e. a Grade IV tumour and this news was not encouraging.
As the tumour was in the frontal area of my forehead, the neurosurgeon was able to remove most of it. It was likened to the surgeon having removed the head of an octopus and the tentacles were still in situ. Chemotherapy and radiology are required to endeavour to kill the tentacles. If I did not have any treatment, the tumour would grow back within three months and may be not in an accessible area next time. The chemo/radiology treatment plan will commence on 15 March and continue for 12 months. At best, if it can be kept under control, I have been given 14 to 18 months. 4 to 5% patients survive two or several years. As I am fit, determined and strong, the oncologist is hopeful I will be one of the 4 or 5%. There aren’t recorded cases of people surviving beyond five years. My plan is to push the boundary and start a statistic beyond five years.