Hi,

my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer last March and decided against treatment. He has led a fairly normal, full life up to now, which is a blessing for both him and the family. However, two weeks ago he was admitted to hospital with extreme confusion, hallucinations and delirium within hours of being put on a new medication (patch) to relieve his ongoing cough, breathlessness and lack of sleep. He was taken straight off the medication and released the following day, much less confused, but with a deep respiratory infection and an inflamed trachea. His breathing has got worse, with a terrible weeziness, so he went back to his GP on Monday and has now been put on a 10 day course of steroids. Since coming out of hospital he has lost a stone in weight and following an extreme high on the steroids of around 5 days, he has now lost his appetite and is feeling awful again, very hoarse and fatigued.

Can anyone tell me if this is normal, as he still has approx another week on the steroids, will he pick up again? I feel so confused and scared that this maybe the beginning of the end.

Any information good or bad, would be greatly appreciated.

Sam x