Brain Cancer Diagnosis

Back in June, we discovered that my father has a brain tumor. It originally had melanoma, which then spread to the rest of his body but the brain is the focus of senior doctors. In July he had a seizure and was hospitalized for a while, then went to nursing home for about six weeks while he underwent radiation therapy. It's now home with me and I take care of him 24 / 7. He is also currently Temodar (chemo), but doctors are not very optimistic. I just wonder what is coming, what do I think? What happens mentally and physically for him? How do I know when things are really bad? I have a little but not much of an idea of what will happen, as it is already short term memory loss, vision loss, etc. I am interested to hear from people who experienced this before with their own families. Thank you!

I'm sorry for your situation, very sorry. He is probably dead. Put the brain are usually terminally ill cancer patients. Melanoma in particular is very dangerous because it easily metasticizes brain compared to other cancers. Chemotherapy can help, but put the brain are usually a very bad sign, and show that cancer is very advanced.

Depending on where it is in the brain, it may lose much of his cognitive function, he can forget things, it may not be able to do simple tasks. It is very difficult to tell you what to expect, but you might think of him doing what looks like madness. And then you can not - brain tumors can be very strange. It will most likely deteriorate if, and that tumors spread and grow, what you see in his behavior or the inability to work will get worse.

I recommend you look into a hospice program or a nurse visiting eventually take care of someone 24 / 7 is a lot for one person to handle - you need to have a life of your own account hospice.

Sorry to be depressing, but you are very lucky, he is still alive today! My father was diagnosed 12 / 1, and died 1 / 13. Once it touches the brain, it is usually very fast.

<crying> I am so sorry that you and your family must go through this. It is terrible to be sick, but sometimes it's even harder to watch and not do something about it. My father died in December '05 with brain cancer, so yes I know what you are going through. Memory loss and loss of vision are the first sighn. Your lucky you to be there with him every day I know it's hard, but treasure. My father was walking on Sunday and last Wednesday so you never really know. Take one day at a time that's all you can do. Remember how much pain he must be since he's gone, you know he is in a better place and it is not bad either ... that helps some! ~ Someone who knows.

First, let me offer my sincerest condolences. What is something hard for you to pass. And how tragic for your father. Chemotherapy will be muddy and slow down his thought, and (depending on where the metastatic lesions are located) of cancer can affect specific things he can do.

During her lucid moments, to be with him. Talk with him, but that kind of guide where the conversation goes. If he wants to talk about his imminent death, you must be prepared to do so.

My suggestion is to make a referral to a palliative care organization. I do not know whether he will qualify, but I think it might be a good candidate. They are extremely useful not only to help your father to die with dignity, but with the actual activities of its care, and help you navigate through all these activities, such as where to buy the medical equipment you need maybe if you choose to keep him at home.

Above all, let him know that he is comfortable and loved. Be careful.