Need help understanding Chemotherapy....?!
Question: I've never dealt with this horrible condition before and it all hit me 2 weeks ago. My grandpa got diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and it spread to his brain, in which they found 4 tumors on the stem. They did a radiation blast on them, but has leftover swelling on the brain. He is on heavy duty steroids to control the swelling, and did his first chemo treatment yesterday. Not sure what drugs they used, but he was injected for 4 hours at the hospital.Today, he seems to be on a HUGE powertrip, & acting very stubborn. We have not let him drive, he has been in bed for 2 weeks & hardly had the strength to use the bathroom. I am currently in possession of his car, and he called me this morning demanding that he have it back, because he has things to do. I dont like treating him like a baby, but can anyone who has dealt with this tell me if the steroids are the reason he's acting SO stubborn? how long until the chemo side effects start? can anyone help me understand these things?
Answers: I've never dealt with this horrible condition before and it all hit me 2 weeks ago. My grandpa got diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and it spread to his brain, in which they found 4 tumors on the stem. They did a radiation blast on them, but has leftover swelling on the brain. He is on heavy duty steroids to control the swelling, and did his first chemo treatment yesterday. Not sure what drugs they used, but he was injected for 4 hours at the hospital.Today, he seems to be on a HUGE powertrip, & acting very stubborn. We have not let him drive, he has been in bed for 2 weeks & hardly had the strength to use the bathroom. I am currently in possession of his car, and he called me this morning demanding that he have it back, because he has things to do. I dont like treating him like a baby, but can anyone who has dealt with this tell me if the steroids are the reason he's acting SO stubborn? how long until the chemo side effects start? can anyone help me understand these things?
Hi Lindsay,
I am very sorry to hear about your grandfather. It sounds like you care and love him very much. Cancer in any form is never easy for the patient or the family. I hope yours comes throught this stronger.
Your grandfathers situation sounds like a combination of pain meds, chemo, cancer and the WILL TO HAVE SONE NORMALCY.
Unfortunatly he should not be driving, especially on sesure meds. It is not safe for him or anyone on the road. Deffinatly speak with his doctors and have them explain all meds and treatments to him again. He may not have fully comprehended them the first time given to him, as this is a time when you've just been told you have cancer and your mind is all over the place. Ask his doctor if there are any patients going through the same treatment as he is or already done with it, to speak with him. It helps to have a person who knows what its like to talk with.
Then you need to find a group or person to do the same. Again, it's hard on the family too. You may not be doing chemo or radiation, or poked and proded, but the emotions we go through watching our strong, vibrant, active family members lose what they once had, is emotionally draining too. But keep the faith and be positive and honest through out this whole ordeal. Your family will become stronger and closer.
Be honest with your grandfather most of all. Do not lie to him or sugar coat anything. Tell him you are worried and are willing to help him with erronds, appointments or even a stroll for some freash air, but you will not give him the keys or the car due to the meds and side effects. And if he forces your hand you may have to inform the DMV about his situation. I know it sounds harsh but hopefully you can explain it so he doesn't feel threatened or helpless. Let him know when he, the docs and you are sure he is in better health you will be happy to give them back and be the first one to go for a ride with him to go get some ice cream!
Hope all goes well, my prayers are with you.
A granddaughter and mother of cancer patient and survivor!
Those effects could be due to cancer (swelling), steroids, other medications, or a mix of all. The steroids are my bet. The effects may subside or lessen after he has been on them for awhile, or he may need a calming medicine (like xanax) to help take the edge off. This is not unusual, though I know that doesn't help much. Let his doctor know of his behavior.
I hope he improves. God bless, best wishes
Hi Lindsay,
I'm sorry. Your Grandfather is very sick. He has advanced cancer, which has already spread. The steroids are not affecting his mood. The swelling may be contributing to it. The main reason, is his sensing the impending end. W/what info you've shared here. Your grandfather shouldn't get behind the wheel, period. He could suffer a seizure, or lose consciousness w/o warning. He would be a danger to others. I'd advise you to have his Oncologist sit him down, & explain this to him. Would he want to lose control of his vehicle, & wipe out a family? I doubt it. Spend time w/him. Try to help his transition. Some people react very angrily when having to face death. Chemotherapy will make him very weak. Enjoy the good days when they come. I'm sorry if this seems overly realistic. Good Luck.
Of course the steroids are going to cause a character change and the diagnosis itself gives you a character change..
I don't know if it is the drugs are just feeling a little better, but don't give him his car. He should not be driving. If he was rational about all this, he would agree.