Monday 11 January 2016

Update on Dad - 63 y/o male, DX Aug 25th 2015

Hi -

I wanted to provide an update and ask a question.  Overall Dad has been doing much better since starting Avastin in November.  Within weeks he regained strength in his right side (tumor is left) and after a month or so was able to transfer himself in/out of his bed and wheelchair.  This was huge.  His right hand went from not working at all to being able to clench into a fist at I would say 90% of his previous strength.  So overall, very happy with our progress on the cocktail.

Now for my question.  This week Dad seems to be a little worse for wear.  More aphasia than before and needing help getting into/out of bed and his chair.  He's very constipated - I think it's been 5 or maybe 6 days.  We give him milk of magnesia, stool softener, miralax and enemas daily.  Just not kicking in I guess.  Could the constipation be the source of his mini-decline?  Should we reintroduce dexamethasone?  We had tapered off completely around Christmas.  Was on 16mg per day, tapering 2mg per week for several weeks.  Any other considerations?

Thanks.
Annie

2 comments:

  1. Annie,
    Are the enemas productive? I know it's only been 6 days but if the constipation becomes chronic you dad maybe more at risk for a bowel perforation. One of the nasty side effects of Avastin is also bowel perforation. Best wishes

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