Brain mets - Cancer: Lung Message Board

jax6 · 05-22-2006, 06:31 PM

Hi all. I haven't posted in a while. Dad's sclc seemed to have been doing really
well compared to others who post here. Things change fast! He has mets to brain, can hardly talk- mostly grunts or nods. He's in his own little world in a matter of 2 weeks...Having bladder control problems and doesn't understand basic things at some times and sharp mind at other times.
He's slipping quickly and I am beside myself. Refuses further treatment. Anyone ever been thru this? I would like to know what to expect, espescially
what kind of time? Anyones experiences would help.Dad doesn't want hospice...(can barely talk, but NO is still clear) so we have little info here.
Thanks,
Jackie

Kimslos · 05-22-2006, 07:29 PM

Jackie,
Wow, he sure did take a turn for the worse and that worries me with my husband. He has had brain mets since June 05 and recently more have grown, but at this point in time they are in areas not causing any harm...but that could happen at any time they tell us. I am so sorry your dad is not doing well. I wish I could give you some advice on the SCLC mets to the brain...but I do have experience with brain mets from glioblastoma and melanoma that my father-in-law had...he went into coma very quickly and we think he could hear us, so never talked about his illness infront of him so he could hear. He did die about 2 weeks after he went into coma. I know each person is different and he had two different types of cancer in his brain. What has his doctor suggested?? Has the doctor spoken to him while you are there so he knows you know exactly what is going on? I know it is so overwhelming...my thoughts are prayers are with you.
Kim

jax6 · 05-22-2006, 08:27 PM

Kim,
My Dad sees a different doctor ech time he goes because he chose university medical
as his hospital due to no insurance, but now he's spending away his life savings (he still pays full price because he has savings...don't even get me started);So, he doesn't truly have a doctor who is familiar with him personally. He is a very private person and my Mom is the only person who accompanies him to his appointments.
But we are a close family,so I think he understands that I really know whats going on.
I am just not sure what he understands,since things have progressed so fast. He can still get around and has to be supervised constantly because he has such poor judgement.
Anyway, thanks for the reply and I'll be praying for your family as well.
Jackie