Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/24/2008

Question
Hi There please can you tell me when how long left my father has to live he was diagnosed in march this year with this condition and the tumor was debulked.. his speak is really dysphasic and he is blind in one eye but he is very active.. am confused as they said 6 months to live but he seem ok other than being very tired and cant communicate very well.. he is very frustrated as he knows what he wants to say but gets it all mixed up.. very hard to ask him any question as he cant answer as doesnt understand the question.. also if you as him if "his sister is ok" he has no idea who your talking about unless he sees a photo.  really hard to comprehend that he is terminal as he seems active.. his weight los is bad also.. but still very upbeat.. please advise.. the waiting for things is horrible

shelley

Answer
I'm sorry to read about his and your problems! It is hard to predict survival times with any accuracy. A grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme usually survive around one year from primary treatment. When he starts sleeping most of the time you will know that he is approaching his end. Even more so when he drifts into a coma. After that he will just pass away. There will be little pain if indeed any! i'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!