What is to come next with a brain cancer diagnosis?

Question

Back in June we found out that my father has brain cancer. He originally had melanoma which then spread to the rest of his body, but the brain is the doctors' main focus. In July he had a Grand Mal seizure and was hospitalized for some time, then went to a nursing home for about 6 weeks while he underwent radiation therapy. He is now at home with me and I am caring for him 24/7. He's also currently taking Temodar (chemo) but the doctors are not very optimistic. I am just wondering what is to come, what do I need to be thinking about? What will happen mentally and physically to him? How do I know when things are really getting bad? I have a little bit, but not much of an idea of what will happen, as he already is having short term memory loss, vision loss, etc. I am interested in hearing from people who have been through this before with their own families. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm sorry for your situation, very sorry. He's probably dying. Mets to the brain are usually the terminal stage for people with cancer. Melanoma in particular is very dangerous because it metasticizes to the brain easily compared to other cancers. The chemo may help, but brain mets are usally a very bad sign, and show that the cancer is very advanced.

Depending on where it is in the brain, he may lose much of his cognitive function, he may forget things, he may not be able to do simple tasks. It's very hard to tell you what to expect, but you could be looking at him getting what looks like dementia. And then again, you may not--brain tumors can be very strange. He most likely will deteriorate though, and as the tumors spread and grow, whatever you're seeing in his behavior or inability to function will get worse.

I recommend you look into hospice or a visiting nurse program eventually, as caring for someone 24/7 is so much for one person to handle--you need to have a life of your own, consider hospice.

Answer 2

This I am afraid is a terrible disease. Usually when cancer has spread to the brain its a very poor prognosis. Your father eventually as you already know will succumb to this disease. The best thing you can do for him is what you are already doing; that is be there for him. It really would be a miracle if the chemo would end up working for you father, but the doctors who are caring for your father would definitely let you know if they had any hope in a full recovery. Prepare yourself for his eventual death. When the good Lord needs him he will take him. For now enjoy as much time as you can with him. You will treasure these moments later. I have not gone through what you are going through now; I am on the other side. I treat patients in the Emergency Room and have to in some cases be the first to spread the bad news, I am not required to do this only to admit them, but I don't believe in hiding anything from patients. If and when he is started on morphine, he may start to hallucinate, this is part of the process.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry you and your family have to go through this. It's terrible being the one sick but sometimes it's even harder on the ones watching and can't do a thing about it. My father passed in December '05 of brain cancer so yes i know what your going through. Memory loss and vision loss are the first sighns. Your lucky you get to be there with him everyday i know it's hard but treasure that. My father was walking around Sunday and passed on Wednesday so you really never know. Take it one day at a time that's all you can do. Remember how much pain he must be in so when he is gone you'll know he's in a better place and he's not hurting any more...that helps some! ~ someone who know's.

Answer 4

I am very sorry to hear about your father. I lost my dad 11 years ago to a brain tumor. No one can tell you what to expect next for sure but I can tell you some of the possibilities. First it all depends on where in the brain the tumor is located and how fast it is growing. But you could see is one sided paralysis, speech problems, word dissociation, balance problems, and as you have seen memory difficulty. Basically anything you might see in a stroke patient. As for the doctors, they don't always know what problems may occur or how long to expect. They are only PRACTICING MEDICINE. I work in EMS where I have see anything from patients given a year to live and they only last days, to what happened with my dad and we were give 3-6 months and he lived 12 years. There is only one man that truly knows. My prayers will be with your family. GOD BLESS

Answer 5

Im very sorry to hear your family is going through such a tough time. My grandfather was diagnosed with melanoma and was told it was terminal 2 years ago, it spread through out his enitre body including the brain. They can't believe he is still alive today. Its been very sad to see the condition he is in. As it is atm, hes having severe short term memory loss, and he is also having trouble with delusions. His mentality is breaking down horribly, and were currently trying to see about getting him admitted to a hospital as it is putting his life and his wifes in terrible danger. He actually went out and killed their pet cat and her kittens a few days ago because he thought they were rodents. My grandfather is very old, in his mid 80's, so this is contributing to his problems, and the doctor has said he is more severe than is normal. I hope you father does not have to go through and experience any difficulties such as that. Just spend all the time you can with him, and not worry about what may happen tomorrow.

Answer 6

First of all, let me offer my most sincere condolences. What a rough thing for you to have to go through. And how tragic for your father. The chemotherapy will muddy and slow his thinking, and (depending on where the metastatic lesions are located) the cancer may impair specific things he can do.

During his more lucid moments, be by his side. Talk with him, but let him sort of guide where the conversation goes. If he wants to talk about his impending death, you need to be ready to do so.

My suggestion is to get a referral to a hospice organization. I don't know if he will qualify, but it sounds to me like he might be a good candidate. They are infinitely helpful not only in helping your father die with dignity, but with the actual activities of his care, and help in navigating you through all those activities, like where you get the medical equipment you may need if you elect to keep him at home.

Above all, make him comfortable and aware that he is loved. Be attentive, but not more than he wants. Be respectful of his feedback about his needs and wants. Do NOT be afraid to touch him. Many people who are in the same situation seem to need more touching than before. Find a lotion that he likes the smell of, and put lotion on his hands, forearms, or feet. Cook the foods that he most loves and is hungry for, if he is hungry.

And take care of yourself, see if you can have someone come in to care for him a few hours a week so you can have some time for yourself.

While tragic, if you can arrange for him to have a dignified death, you will not regret it.

Best wishes.

Answer 7

I would think from your explanation that his condition is terminal. Don't think ahead - take each day as it comes. No one can predict what will or won't happen as every case is different. But my heart goes out to you.
My mother-in-law had terminal cancer - it was inoperable - the doctor gave her a week to live - she lived 10 months. And my father-in-law had multiple myaloma. He only lived a very short time - no treatment.

Answer 8

DON'T KEEP THINKING BAD THOUGHTS!! depending on what type of brain cancer he has, he can be fine. I had surgery, radiation & chemo for anaplastic astrocytoma 2 years ago. I'm doing great!! I also took temodar, I have some memory loss, but nothing severe. Just make sure to keep his spirits up, make him eat better & do some exercise. He can beat this.

Answer 9

Sorry to be a downer, but you are very lucky he is still living now! My dad was diagnosed 12/1, and dead on 1/13. Once it hits the brain, it's very fast usually.