Question about Brain Mets...I know it doesn't belong here

dewey · Regular Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Posts: 21

Hello,
My dad has stage 4 lung cancer with mets to the brain. I have posted in the lung forum but after reading some post in the brain cancer forum I was hoping so one may have some more info.
Here's the deal he had seizures July 23 07, they immediately started decadron and dialatin. Two days later he started a 10 round treatment of whole brain radiation. He is currently down to one decadron tab a day but I forget the mg of the dose. He was at 4 a day. At one point his hand started jerking a few months back for about 2 hours on is right side so a neurologist added Kepra also twice a day. Everyone once in awhile he gets a hand tremble but it seems to be the week after he takes an Advanstin treatment. Mri in September showed shrinkage, Mri in late december showed considerable shrinkage. Largest spot was down to 1.2 cm from 2 cm in September some spots were totally gone.
For the past month however he has had very bad bouts of confusion. He doesn't know where he is or is with him then he comes out of it. Even when he is confused you can ask about something that happened that morning and he remembers or something from 20 years ago he remembers. But sometimes at 3 o'clock in the middle of the night he gets dressed and says he has to go to work (of course he doesn't work anymore).
We have a great doc and he says he could be the decadron or the long term effects of the WBR. Anyone with experience with this. I mean if it WBR effects are there any studies that show some therapy or coping that can help the patient.
He hasn't had a scan of chest for over two months now it is coming soon but the last scan showed shrinkage there to.
I just hate to think we've bought dad a year or two but he can't enjoy it.
Thanks for any help and sorry about posting under two threads.
Dustin

brainman

Dewey, I am sorry about your father's cancer and his current confusion. As the doctor said, it could be the decadron or the WBR that are to blame. If it is the decadron, it is possible that the confusion can be cleared in time. However, any damage caused by the original mets or the WBR are irreversible.

You have bought your father more time. Now, you have to find ways to bring quality to that time. That is a big challenge. To some degree, you and your family will have your father's source of confirmation about reality. This could be for the rest of his life. He can still enjoy things, you just have to help him to find safe ways to enjoy his life. Be gentle with him like you would be with a child. When he gets up at 3am, just simply take him by the hand and say: "Dad, you do not work anymore. Remember?" Of course, you need to have an option available for him to think about. "Let's go do...."

I know, it is painful to see someone you looked up to all of your life go down so fast. But with love, you can do it.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
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