Victor’s Battle with Grade 4 Glioblastoma

Victor’s Battle with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Brain Cancer

In early October, my father Victor was rushed to the emergency room with what we believed were stroke-like symptoms. He had a progressive issue with speech and word-finding and began having issues with reading and writing. A CT scan and MRI showed a mass on his left frontal lobe (just smaller than a baseball), that ended up being a malignant Glioblastoma tumor. This is a rare, and very aggressive form of brain cancer – for that there is no cure.

Dad underwent a craniotomy to resect the tumor only days after its discovery and is healing very well. His surgeon at Buffalo General Hospital was able to safely remove 95% of the tumor, leaving his speech intact. Dad immediately began both radiation and chemotherapy and is now 2/3 of his way through a 6 ½ week treatment course.

A devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Friend, and Papa

Those of you who know my dad, know that he is the epitome of a “fire dog”. No matter the crisis, emergency, or time of day; he’s always there when you need a helping hand or a good laugh. He’s been happily married to my mom, Sue, for over 47 years now, and still resides in the Town of Tonawanda. They both just celebrated their 70th birthdays together with family and friends.

He has been a dedicated salesman with Sheridan Surgical for over 30 years, and at 6’6” with a solid laugh and booming voice, his stature, comedy, and daily antics are greatly missed in the office.

Dad is a devoted husband, brother, father to myself and my brother Eric, friend – and most importantly, Papa. His grandchildren (Gloria & Walter) are the absolute light of his life. Pre-diagnosis, dad spent much of his time outside of work babysitting and going on adventures with my children. Trips to the Buffalo Zoo, Strong Museum of Play, and Clayton’s Toy Store were on a regular rotation when with the kids.

Ready for a fight

My father has taken his diagnosis and course of treatments head-on and is determined to fight this cancer. Radiation is leaving him more fatigued than ever, but he is strong of body and will – and is taking each day in stride.

Donating to his GoFundMe will help my parents navigate the murky and unknown waters of a Grade 4 Glioblastoma diagnosis. Your generosity will help lighten the load of everyday medical costs, future treatment options, and frankly day to day life for my parents. Please also consider sending notes of encouragement and support that you may have - I know it will brighten his day.

Thank you all for your support, Alisa, Sue, Eric and the rest of the Pastecki & Smith families.