Mary Posted: 15 Jun 2008 09:00 pm Post subject: Chemobrain and side-effects of Temodal
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Bronwyn,
In terms of symptoms, Graham may possibly be getting chemobrain (due to chemotherpeutic drugs on good brain cells) and it happens for lots of people on chemotherapy (not just brain tumours either), so maybe just you'll just need to give it some time and get through the treatment. Some changes in his alertness and otherwise might be expected for a period of time while he's on it.
Chemobrain:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer ... nt/CA00044
Here's an article on Temodal and Brain Tumours for you regarding side-effects and I've copied a couple of paras for you (more via the link):
http://www.uwhealth.org/servlet/Satelli ... =FlexGroup
• Headache – Headaches are a very rare side effect. If you have a severe headache while on Temodar®, it is most likely not caused by the Temodar®. It may be a sign of brain edema or swelling. Be sure to discuss these headaches with your doctor. She or he may prescribe something to treat them. We suggest you use Tylenol®. Do not use ibuprofen or aspirin.
o Use with other medicines - Temodar® most likely will not react with any other medicines you take. You should not add any new medicines while taking the Temodar® unless you discuss them with your doctor. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know all the things you are taking. Be sure you tell your doctor about any herbal supplements or vitamins, too. Herbal supplements and vitamins need to be considered medicines. Many times we do not know the interactions between herbal supplements, vitamins, and Temodar®. It is important you list them each time you are asked about your medicines.
Bronwyn Posted: 15 Jun 2008 09:01 pm Post subject:
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Do you have the private numbers of your specialists to ring? I don't . I don't even have my GPs home number. I have to ring the locum service if something goes wrong. I do have the neurooncologists pager but I would not ring him to ask why Graham seems to have gone downhill. He would tell me He has a bloody tumour. He has told me to ring if he runs a temp. only My husband is going to die. You are lucky. He has nealry deid three times. For some reason he is still here and you know sometimes i think maybe it would have been better if he did die back in March because this is so painful I wish I were dead. Some nights i just want to walk away and it is so hard to stay .This is my only support and now you have destroyed it for me
Mary Posted: 15 Jun 2008 09:24 pm Post subject: HomeHospice
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Bronwyn,
Hang in there. It's been a long hard road and yes doctor's aren't much value when it comes to after hours support but I guess they need some reprieve from seeing patients all day long. I've come across this website for HomeHospice and support for carers caring for the terminally ill. It says that they people in all areas that might be able to spend some time with you (in person) if you feel as though that might be some help, maybe give them a call and there's an 1800 number on the fact sheet via the link below (not sure what hours they operate but if you can't get a hold of anyone now perhaps try again in the morning).
http://www.homehospice.com.au/docs/Part ... spice2.pdf
HOME Hospice is a free community program that provides support to people caring for terminally ill loved ones at home. To achieve this, we provide carers with a volunteer Mentor, who guides them through the caring journey, providing information, education and links to the support services needed at this physically and emotionally demanding time.