Hello,
My dad is weaker today than he has been. The staff at the rehab facility put him in bed because he kept slumping forward in his chair and they were afraid he would fall out. He is also very tired.
We are working hard to get him CBD/THC in the hopes of boosting his appetite. I am also considering the Remeron that people suggested the other day. He eats very little, so I know that is a problem. The doctors are talking about increasing the steroid (he is at 2 mg. now). I really want him to be done with it because it is a double-edged sword, but is increasing it the best option right now? He has very little edema at this point. They are also talking about doing an MRI sooner rather than later. He has two sessions of radiation left.
Is the extreme weakness all part of the treatment? Is the tumor causing this? I am guessing it is a combination of things, and I want to help him. Meanwhile the doctors are making their suggestions and I am trying to figure out what is best.
I appreciate your thoughts.
Best,
Stephanie
I would increase steroids. Dad had bad swelling during radiation. We did a 1 time increase to I think 12mg of dex and he had an improvement within 24 hours. It will either work right away or it's not the answer. Worth a try. 2mg is a very small dose.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteRadiation really does take its toll. I remember Mum being absolutely wiped out afterwarsds and she also ended up on a fairly high dose of Dexamathasone. I agree with Annie that it is worth trying a higher dose of dex to help out during this stage. Also worth having an MRI sooner rather than later in my opinion.
Hang in there. It is a very difficult thing to go through. I hope your Dad regains some strength soon. It is a rollercoaster ride but this is a particularly rough stage of the treatment in my opinion.
Is your Dad taking Boswellia also? This has been shown to have anti inflammatory effects. I recommend the Wokvel brand if you can get a hold of it.
I also swear by CBD oil for my Mum.
All the best,
Alison
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ReplyDeleteThank you, all. I appreciate the feedback and support. It is a very difficult time, and I want to get him through this. He is on Boswellia, but right now he is not taking any supplements because he feels so poorly. Hopefully that will change soon.
ReplyDeleteHe was admitted to the hospital today and they determined that he has pneumonia. He had a ct scan; we are awaiting results. He is getting fluids and rest in the meantime, and I hope that makes some difference. His radiologist will revisit the steroid discussion tomorrow.
Thanks.
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this. I am sure the rest and fluids will help him. I hope he regains some energy soon.
The human body can do a pretty good job fighting back with rest so I really hope you see an improvement soon.
Hang in there.
I can relate to this with my experience with Mum when she has been at her lowest, in hospital with an infection and barely able to speak, eat or get out of bed.
We are all with you!
Alison
Thank you, Alison. It means a lot.
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