Mike and Carole’s story
When Mike’s wife Carole was diagnosed with brain cancer, Brain Tumour Support was with him every step of the way
From the shock of diagnosis, through navigating the often complex healthcare options, to organising palliative care and ultimately through bereavement.
“Without the pooled knowledge of everyone I met through Brain Tumour Support, Carole and I would have been a mess,” said Mike.
It all began when Mike started noticing small personality changes in his beloved wife. She was losing interest in things that had been her passions but had no perception of this change herself. Then Carole started having balance issues and tingling in her right arm – they knew it was time to go to the doctor to get this checked out.
“After a scan, the look on the doctor’s face was enough,” said Mike. “I knew it was bad news.”
Carole was diagnosed with glioblastoma, stage 4 brain cancer.
“It was a bombshell. We just did not know what to do next,” said Mike.
He remembers someone in hospital coming round the next day with some leaflets, which he stuffed into his bag – it was all too much to take in at the time.
After they had overcome the initial shock, Mike found the leaflets again. It was then that he contacted Brain Tumour Support and everything changed.
Carole and David enjoying life together before Carole’s diagnosis
“From the very first support group I attended, I was given really useful and helpful information from others who had been through similar journeys,” said Mike. “From logistical advice (which hospital was easiest to reach by car) to advice about caring for Carole at home and eventually arranging hospice care, the whole process of caring for Carole was made bearable because of the pooled knowledge of the members of the support group and the amazing Brain Tumour Support Professional and counsellor.”
Mike’s Brain Tumour Support Professional put him in touch with someone whose wife had had a similar diagnosis. To this day they remain in touch and support each other.
Carole died just eleven months after she was diagnosed.
“We were offered counselling before Carole died but she did not want to take part, so I went on my own.” said Mike.
“The counsellor had so much experience in counselling people who had been on a similar journey to me that her advice and help were invaluable. Together with all the love and support from members of the support group, the Support Professional and the counsellor, I got through the toughest time of my life. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way.”
