Jack's Story: A journey through the nightmare of a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour

The life and death of Jack Fleming through his battle with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cancer as told my his father, Ken.

This is the story of a very brave young man. I was with him when he took his first breath and I was with him when he took his last. One was a moment of exquisite pleasure and the other was a moment of unimaginable pain. He gave life, and particularly the last two years struggling with terminal brain cancer, his best shot. He never stopped smiling; never gave up; never said no more. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cancer on a cold, wet and wintry 8 July 2016. He was given 12 months to live. We got 22 months. In December 2017 we found out that none of the treatments were working and he was unlikely to live much longer. On 28 March 2018, we were told it was all over. He died at 1.45 pm on 15 April 2018. I promised him I would write a book. I kept my promise. — Ken Fleming - JACK EVAN FLEMING 25 November 1996 – 15 April 2018 RIP

Praise for Jack's Story

“Jack’s Story is gripping and confronting. Well done for having the courage to write it and get it out there in the public space. I'm sure many other families and health professionals will benefit from reading this book. It was a real tribute to Jack...and also demonstrated you're didn't leave a stone unturned in trying to find a solution to this aggressive cancer.” Dr Nick Cooling

“Thank you for sharing Jack’s Story. I’m deeply sorry to hear about your son’s journey with cancer. As you know glioblastoma cancer has touched my life and those that I love dearly. I can only imagine how difficult this process is for you and your family. It sounds like Jack was surrounded with support and indeed possessed courage at its best. I know that the grieving process never quite ends, but in due time, the thought of your son will bring a smile to your lips sooner than a tear to your eye. Our sons gave us so much more than they knew, so much for us to cherish. Our memories of them will always be with us. Please know that Jill and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We’re in this with you. God Bless you.” Joseph R. Biden. Jr.

“I would like to give my condolences to your family as no family should have to go through what your family endured. Taking the pain from your son’s story and turning it into a moving and beautifully honest book takes a lot of courage. I appreciate the bravery it took to write this book about what it is really like inside a life with glioblastoma multiforme.” Senator John McCain

“I read Jack’s story in one night …couldn’t put it down … and despite knowing how it all ended, I was willing there to be a twist and turn on each page that would see a miracle happen. What a truly incredible story of hope, love, courage and ultimate tragedy.” Katie Murray

“I’m so sorry that despite all the expert advice and treatment he received that no more could be done to save him. It is stories like these, and patients like Jack, that drive us to continue our work and research and clinical trials to try to find new and better treatments to counter this awful disease. Let’s hope we can make some more break throughs in memory of all the children and young adults like Jack.” Dr David Ziegler