Around 3 months ago my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and suspected cancer in his bowel and given 6 - 12 months to live. He also suffers from severe Bi Polar that he has had since his 20s, he's in his mid 70's now.
The problem is that he had complained for some time that the medication he was on for his Bi Polar has been making him feel sick. When I looked into the side effects of the medication (Depakote) I read that it can cause severe cancers. I spoke to my dad's psychiatrist about this who told me over the phone that he didn't want my dad on Depakote but my dad insisted that he wanted to take it to which my dad has denied.
My dad's psychiatrist agreed that he didn't have to take Depakote and to see how he goes with his other meds, but unfortunately my dad stopped taking his other meds as he became paranoid what they were doing to him so he has been sectioned.
I found out that he is on liquid depakote now even with his disagnosis of cancer.
My dad was doing really well and has had no obvious cancer symptoms but I am upset and concerned for my dad being prescribed something that could accelerate the cancer.
Are there any alternatives to Depakote for people with Bi Polar cancer?
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
