Living Under a Shifting Death Sentence: Finding Hope with Glioblastoma

I have been reflecting a lot lately on the importance of empathy versus sympathy, and the need to truly put ourselves in others' shoes before passing judgment. This has taken on a profound new meaning for me since my diagnosis. One of the most challenging aspects of living with glioblastoma is the uncertainty. Unlike some treatable cancers with clear survival rates, glioblastoma leaves us grappling with the unknown.

Living with glioblastoma often feels like being a prisoner under a death sentence, with the judge continuously changing the execution date. This analogy, shared by someone on a support page I follow, resonates deeply with me. The stress of trying to plan my remaining time—whether it is one year or eight—is overwhelming. While people often advise taking it one day at a time, it is incredibly difficult when each day is so unpredictable. Although I am grateful for the time I have, the ambiguity of the future is a heavy burden.

In response to this uncertainty, my husband and I are learning to live differently. We are trying not to take life too seriously, to focus on ourselves, to embrace spirituality, and to live each day as if it were our last. It is a challenging journey, but it is the only way we can find peace and meaning in the midst of this struggle.

Moving forward, I encourage anyone facing similar challenges to embrace this mindset. Focus on what you can control, cherish the moments you have, and find strength in the present. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can choose to make today meaningful. This is much easier said than done and you are not alone.