brain tumor -- how fast?

I am so very sorry to hear about your dad, Anonymous. Being given a time frame is, I feel, both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, in that you know that if there are things to do and say, now's the time to say and do them, while at the same time, a curse because you know too well how soon your life will change.

When my father was diagnosed, it was only days before he died. We spent the time we could with him, and he made sure things were done the way he wanted them - giving direction, signing documents, and just loving us best he could, as we loved him.

Even with all that, I have to say I look back on that time as a very intense, loving time, for we were all together for a while.

My best wishes go out to you.

I'm very sorry to hear about your dad.  My mother died of pancreatic cancer in 2007 (she lived three months after diagnosis), and my main advice is to call a hospice facility immediately.  They'll help you through the whole process and let you know the kinds of things you can expect--although, of course, every situation is different.  Hospice is the most valuable resource out there, IMO.

And be sure to enjoy the time you have left with him.  You'll eventually appreciate the fact that you had some warning of what was going to happen.  The next few months are going to be very challenging for your family, but they'll have their rewards as well.

I'm very sorry to hear your news, and wish you and your family strength during the coming months.

I have no information specific to your question, but wanted to add my voice to those talking about the time ahead of you.

I lost my best friend to Breats Cancer, and although the course of her illness was one of the most difficult times of my life, it gave us some beautiful times together too. I remember days spent just being close with her, talking and just making the most of each other.

It's a time to talk and appreciate each other.

Thinking of you x

What Lola said was very true when I was caring for my father, who died of esophageal cancer, also after receiving a prognosis of three to six months.

What I'd suggest is preparing a list of questions for your dad's doctor. Tell him you want the "nitty gritty" version, you don't want him to soft-peddle the information. (Many oncologists will speak much more plainly if you reassure them that you can take it.)

Then ask about everything you want to know: what to expect right away, what to expect down the line, and what can be done for your dad to make him more comfortable as the cancer progresses. Good luck, and keep on checking in; I'm sure we'll hear from more folks with stories to share.

So sorry to hear about your father - this time must be very difficult for you and your family.  My mother passed away from brain cancer and from diagnoses until she passed was about 9 weeks.  I have also had 2 friends pass away from brain cancer, all were approximately 9 weeks.  For a better answer to your question, I would keep an eye on his motor skills, his speech, the names he calls his children, what he calls familiar things, etc.

My suggestion to you is that while he is still cohesive enough, he get things in order.  Consider getting a living will, durable power of attorney, executor of the estate, advanced health care directive, etc.  You don't want to be in a position of going into probate.  Also, if he is on Medi-Cal, you can call In-Home Support Services at 408-975-4899 for some assistance in caring for him if you plan to keep him at home.

Best of luck to you during this very difficult time.