A family member has stage 4 lung cancer. He went through radiation on the brain and chemotherapy. Recent scans show that the cancer has shrunk and remained stable. However, the patient has recently become very confused, thin, and weak. The doctors insist that all of his symptoms are caused by the cancer. However, we are not so convinced. He is on many medications, including several very strong pain meds. The doctors think this is the end, and that his body could shut down anytime now. Are we in denial?
2006-07-13 14:33:38 · 7 answers · asked by missL08 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I wish I could send you a book called "Gone from My Signt". It is a book I give to hospice patients families. It explains what to expect when the end is near in the weeks and days before death. You and your family would benefit from a hospice consult.
I hate to say it, but yeah I kind of think you may be in denial. He is on strong pain medicines because without them, his pain would be intolerable and the pain is the result of cancer. Cancer tumors shrink, but they grow in other places. It is not terribly unusual for chemotherapy to become the cause of a weakened body resulting in death.
Many people before they pass from the world develop what is called "terminal restlessness". It is charachterized by confusion and a restless state of being. We believe it is caused by the mortal body and the soul preparing for separation nearing the time of death. Often times, during this period, you can hear your dying family member talking to people who have already passed on even years before, and their eyes become fixed to the heavens.
I know you do not want to lose your family member, but perhaps his soul would be at peace in a more restful place.
Blessings and peace to your family.
2006-07-13 18:21:02 · answer #1 · answered by happydawg 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is your family member eating enough? It may be lack of nourishment that is causing these symptoms. Did the doctors do a blood work-up to test for possible infections? Symptoms sound similar to those of someone with an infection. Could also be signs that the kidneys are shutting down and not processing toxins so well anymore. There are so many variables and cancer is an unpredictable disease. His oncologist is the one who can probably give you the most reliable answer. Nobody wants to hear that their family member or loved one is at the end stage of a terminal disease. I would talk to the oncologist and prepare for whatever is next in this journey. Look for cancer support groups such as the American Cancer Society. Also, if the end is truly near, Hospice agencies are wonderful. They can provide support to the patient and to family members too. Good luck on this hard road.
2006-07-13 22:40:00 · answer #2 · answered by spikeslady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wasting (cachexia) is one of the signs that the cancer patient is not doing well. There is some weight loss with chemotherapy and radiation, but it comes back after a while. If the weight is not going back on, then it is a sign that there is more going on.
Weakness is also related to the wasting and lack of appetite. I who have only what you tell me cant tell you any more accurately than the doctor who is there. Have you had someone from the Cancer Society come and see you and your relative? They can provide some encouragement and perspective for you.
Best wishes in this time of wondering what comes next.
2006-07-13 22:16:35 · answer #3 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time for a metabolic profile to see if his system is being nourished enough. Some hospitals do not to metabolic profiles on cancer patients in the later stages because of the cost..but the profile can give a better clue as to what nutrients he is lacking in..possibly as simple as being dehydrated. The symptoms you described can really be due to just about anything from lack of iron due to the treatments, dehydration, lack of food, or even possibly a blockage unknown about that is holding in toxins in the system.
To be honest..a bit of denial is a good thing. It keeps hope alive.
My prayers go up for your loved one and family.
2006-07-13 23:44:39 · answer #4 · answered by AccountableLady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandfather went through the same thing. I think the confusion could be caused by medication. My grandfather became very weak, lost a lot of weight and could barely hold his head up, little own walk on his own. When the time comes for your loved one to know, he will know. At least my grandfather did. He called for his entire family just 2 days before he died and told us all how much he loved us and that it was time for him to go home to be with his FATHER, talking about God. I know I don't know you but I will whisper a prayer for your family as soon as I finish writing this. God bless you.
2006-07-13 22:55:00 · answer #5 · answered by The Nana of Nana's 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in my sisters late stages, she ate a lot of sweets with no appetite for real food, she slept all the time, confusion
2006-07-13 21:58:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u lose your hair and u feel stressed do u need to know the rest well your doctor is the best
2006-07-13 21:38:39 · answer #7 · answered by Kahmillionaire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋