As I noticed you hadn't received a response yet, I thought I would bump your thread so that it is noticed by our members. I am sure many here will have a lot to say about how chemotherapy has afffected their brain!
I hope your father gets a good result from his chemo. I'm not sure what you mean by 'not been himself mentally ' I'm assuming you mean he is acting a little odd or out of character? Perhaps a chat with his designated specialist nurse would be helpful?
When my husband started on his journey I started to write an online diary which I've been looking back on this evening. In it I wrote that Neil commented that he had to think hard about how to sign his name and also there's mention of confusion and other oddities. In my husbands case his lung cancer had spread to his brain. This was only diagnosed by an MRI when he started to get pins and needles in his right hand but I suspect the other odd mental symptoms were caused by this spread.
It could be the chemo, but it is just as likely to be all the stress and fatigue associated with both receiving the diagnosis and starting the treatment. Mentally adjusting to the new reality takes time and hits us all differently.
Hi Nicole ... please mention your concerns to your dad's consultant. Like Netty's husband, I had similar difficulties. I put it down to 'chemo brain' and stress etc., when actually the disease had spread to my brain. This needs to be checked out. All the best x
He's not sleeping but this is because he is scared in case he doesn't wake - he is eating well thankfully - I'm hoping for another scan to check if it has spread. Although since he has been out of hospital he is getting back to his normal self. Little things like trying to turn the TV over by pointing the remote to the clock and getting annoyed when it didn't change. It is just so hard to watch I'm struggling so I can't even begin to imagine how much he is. Just trying my best to be there. I'm there everyday - my newborn has spent the first few months of her life up and down to the hospital visiting her granda it just breaks my heart. But he has an appointment tomorrow - he might get more chemo we don't know yet xx
My dads key worker is useless! We rang when he was taken in and she told us to speak to the nurses. No support what so ever. So I won't be asking her anything unfortunately - my dad has been home a week and she hasn't even called to check up. The hospice people have and the district nurse but the support we were promised has been non existent.
That's sad to hear Nicole. I don't think a keyworker would be making decisions regarding possible Mets etc., it is your Dad's consultant or oncologist who will need to be told about your concerns and arrange further investigations if appropriate. If you are not feeling supported by the KW, tell the oncologist that too. They can't take action and help unless patients tell them their fears, or about difficulties with a team member who may need further guidance and training. The very best to you and your family x
Oh Nicole, that is such sad news - I am sorry that you and your family are coping alone with all this. I am in a similar situation to your Dad (with a different type of cancer) and can only suggest that you go to see your GP and tell them that you need a referral for palliative care. She/he should then get in touch with the district nurses and McMillan in your area, who should swiftly contact you. If they don't, PESTER them until they do and ask your GP to as well. You can also contact PALS at your local hospital (patient's liaison service) and ask for their input in getting help and support for Dad.
I am thinking of you all at this difficult time - I hope your Dad stays as comfortable as possible and you and he can have some quality time together making special memories to cherish. My children and I just love chatting and a walk - it's just being together that is important.
