Memoirs for GBM Caretakers
By Florence Wetzel
One of the challenges of being a GBM caretaker is the feeling of being alone in the storm. Fortunately there is a host of memoirs about caretaking that provide comfort and connection, as well as practical advice.
Here are five books giving different perspectives on the GBM journey. Each one is a testament to the resilience of the caretakers and the love that fueled their journey. All the books are available on Amazon as both paperbacks, eBooks, and sometimes audio books.
You Can’t Do It Alone: A Widow’s Journey through Loss, Grief and Life After by Maria Quiban Whitesell
Weather anchor Maria lost her husband Sean to GBM in 2015. This memoir includes touching scenes of Maria navigating caretaking and grief, while at the same time providing support for their five-year-old son, Gus. The book features helpful chapters from a licensed therapist, who offers insight and guidance.
Jack’s Story: A Journey through the Nightmare of a Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Tumour by Ken Fleming
This poignant memoir was written by father Ken Fleming, just months after losing his 21-year-old son Jack to GBM. Ken introduces the reader to Jack with warmth and honesty, while candidly sharing his own journey as a caretaker. The book is written largely in diary form, infusing the story with a powerful sense of immediacy.
Future Widow: Losing My Husband, Saving My Family, and Finding My Voice by Jenny Lisk
This book is composed of Jenny’s entries on the CaringBridge website during her husband Dennis’ illness, interspersed with observations on those entries five years later. The double perspective illustrates the rawness of caretaking, as well as the wisdom of time. Following her GBM journey, Jenny created The Widowed Parent Podcast, a valuable resource for solo parenting after spousal loss.
Outlier: One Couple’s Story of Life and Love and Glioblastoma by Tim Angell
Tim was married to his high school sweetheart Debbie for forty-nine years, a rich life that included raising five children and welcoming numerous grandchildren. His warm and direct writing style vividly portrays Debbie and captures the challenges of her three-year GBM battle. Tim also provides meaningful reflections on the benefits and difficulties of maintaining a positive outlook.
What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella
This is not a memoir, but rather a novella by the author of the popular Shopaholic series. Told from the patient’s perspective, this moving story masterfully blends laughter and tears. A full review is available here.
Florence Wetzel is the author of Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss, about her dear friend Sara’s struggle with GBM.
