Ed’s Story

Site created on March 15, 2018

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In December 2017, my dad, Ed, after having symptoms of what seemed like he had a small stroke  was diagnosed with a High Grade Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM. GBM is a very aggressive,  non-curable brain tumor. Most people don't even know that they have this tumor until they start showing symptoms like my dad did, and by then your time is limited. While there is no cure for GBM, there are options to treat and hopefully give you more time. My dad opted to have surgery to remove most of the tumor in January 2018. He came out of that surgery with flying colors and was home within 2 days of the surgery. All of the symptoms that he was having before the surgery (speech, motor skills) had improved greatly. He was doing pretty good, but then about 3 weeks post surgery he developed very severe pneumonia and sepsis,  and was hospitalized once again. It was a pretty scary time, we weren't sure that he would survive the pneumonia, but once again he beat the odds and is still with us! But after being in a hospital bed for 2 weeks, barely breathing, my dad lost his ability to walk. After moving to a rehab facility for a few weeks, dad was able to go home to finish his rehab. He is still wheel chair bound, but can get up and use a walker with assistance. Along with learning to walk again, dad is also doing radiation treatment 5 days a week and recently started his chemo treatment as well. It's a lot to take on at once and thankfully my mom is able to be home with him to help, and we have friends that help when they can too.  But it's a lot, so that is why I'm starting this page. We need help!! We are hoping for the most time we can get possible with dad and are so amazed at what he's been through already. I will update as much as possible. Thank you, Shari

Newest Update

Journal entry by Shari Stefani

Well after a much needed social media break, which was not long enough, I'm logging back in today to give an update on my dad. He had another seizure this morning and landed back in the ER. After a very long day, he's thankfully back home and doing alright. There's still so much swelling in his brain from the radiation and the cancer itself, that is why this happened again. The docs said there's not much we can do besides him staying on the medications he's been taking. If he has another seizure in the next 24 hours they will then adjust his meds. So fingers crossed that doesn't happen. Dad is still having trouble with his speech and motor skills, so he can't really text or message. He's resting today, but I'm sure he'll welcome phone calls tomorrow if all goes well. My mom is pretty exhausted too, this has not been an easy experience, but we are all helping as much as possible. My poor dad can't catch a break. This cancer is a f'in monster.
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