Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/13/2008

Question
I'm a 24 year old male and have been living with a glioblastoma stage 4 tumor for over a year now. I've done all the radiation that my brain can take,I was also on chemo at the same time and continued chemo for the following 6 months.I had 2 surgeries,one last year and one this year.The reason for the second surgery was that the tumor had gotten bigger even after all the treatment that I received.After my second surgery which was this month(10/08),the doctors wanted to start me on a much more aggressive chemo regimen, but I refused because they told me they couldn't guarantee that it would help.After spending most of last year miserable and sick on chemo, i told myself that it wasn't worth it, especially if I want to make the most of the time that i have left.
I know the time I have left is limited but i would still like to know or have an idea of what kinds of changes I can expect,physically,,mentally,, and what i should expect from her on,including the stages leading up to my last breath.
Thank you,,
-Alex  

Answer
I'm sorry to read about your problems! You will probably sleep more and more, there may also be confusion and I can not rule out stroke like symptoms or even epileptic fits. Eventually you will drift into a coma and then pass away. There will be little pain if any. Since you have already lived quite long with this diagnosis - probably due to your rather aggressive therapy - I will not try to predict how long time you may have left. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!