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Brain tumour delirium

RachMarg
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Dad (78) has just been diagnosed with malignant brain tumour.

He has been discharged from a few days in hosp while we await full details about the tumour and treatment.

Can anyone advise as to best way to deal with delirium which has occurred both nights since hes been home?

He gets very confused, he is starving hungry and seems pretty awake when this starts. Last night it was from midnight until about 2am. He seems v worried and talks about random things. Weve just been getting up with him and trying to reassure him and watch that he doesnt do anything that could harm him. (Weve hidden all medicines and keys to the house etc.) We give him a little food and settle him back to bed until he gets up in the morning 6am.

Apart from being devastated with this shock diagnosis  we are absolutely shattered. 

Any suggestions?

  • Hello RachMarg

    I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's recent diagnosis and the difficulties that he's been experiencing since returning home earlier this week. It's understandable that you're all struggling with the situation. 

    It's good to hear that you've been proactive in making sure that he's safe whilst he's experiencing these episodes. Do you have a plan regarding when Dad will see a specialist? Or were you given any information about a clinical nurse specialist that you could contact? If you have contact details for someone on the hospital team then do get in touch with them for advice and support if you've not already done so. 

    Alternatively give your Dad's Gp surgery a call on Monday and ask to speak with the Dr about your concerns. If things deteriorate over the weekend or you're worried then you can always call NHS 111 for advice and support. 

    We know that this is a really difficult time for you all. Hopefully in the coming days you will have some further answers and support to help you all move forwards. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you're all managing. We're here to listen and will try to help if we can. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thanks Jenn.

    It's really helpful to have people such as yourself out there.

    We don't have anyone named yet as such because he now has to have a biopsy to identify nature of tumour before we can get any sort of treatment plan.

    I guess we just have to wait and chase now...

    We have contacted PALS and will be making a formal complaint as the consultant who discharged Dad on Tues is very difficult to talk to, I'd say, pretty confrontational actually.

    Dad's GP has been supportive but at the moment I feel that without a full formal diagnosis, we are in a sort of no-man's-land.

    No doubt Ill be in touch with you again at some point but thanks for now x

  • in reply to RachMarg

    I'm glad to hear that your Dad's GP is being supportive Rachmags. I know how difficult this period of uncertainty can be. 

    Do get in touch either here on the forum or with our Nurses (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040) if you need any help or support. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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