› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Dad had seizure, in NICU
- This topic has 18 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 4 months ago by
dearfoam.
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- November 23, 2011 at 10:19 pm
Dad (stage IV, mets through chest/ lungs/ brain) went to stay out of town with my sister for a week and some days prior to Thanksgiving so hubby and I could get away for a bit. He had started Zelboraf the week before and was on Temodar for several months prior to that. Still on Dechadron 2mg since he's had ongoing brain swelling issues. I sent all the scenarios, drs info just in case, med lists, everything, and all this on top of making sure he couldn't run away like he thought he would try to do!
Dad (stage IV, mets through chest/ lungs/ brain) went to stay out of town with my sister for a week and some days prior to Thanksgiving so hubby and I could get away for a bit. He had started Zelboraf the week before and was on Temodar for several months prior to that. Still on Dechadron 2mg since he's had ongoing brain swelling issues. I sent all the scenarios, drs info just in case, med lists, everything, and all this on top of making sure he couldn't run away like he thought he would try to do!
Anyway, she found him on the floor yesterday morning, aseep under a bedside table. Confused, unable to stand or walk at all. His doctors up here referred him to ER down there, and he is in NICU now with no talk of when he will be discharged. Only semi-alert today, still confused, etc. Had some kind of seizure in the night, apparently. Waiting on that EEG report. Has some sort of infection showing up in urine as well.
We are heading down in the morning to visit.
This is the worst shape he has been in in the 8 months we've known about the Melanoma. Not sure what to expect; none of us do, I guess.
-DF
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- November 24, 2011 at 12:07 am
Still no word on the kind of seizure, but the doctor took him off Zelboraf until he sees his regular Oncologist (already has an appt for visit and EKG next week). Suspecting heart arhythma, too. Can that cause a seizure or perhaps stroke? We have not been told if there was a stroke in the mix, but my brother suspects there was.
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- November 24, 2011 at 1:12 am
I am very sorry to read about what has happened. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say
what is causing your dad's symptoms without further tests. However, if the symptoms are
due to melanoma it is possible that a brain met has bled causing a stroke.A seizure can be caused by a number of things including an infection (see:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003200.htm)Heart arrhythmia can also cause serious problems (see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_dysrhythmia).I encourage you to discuss your concerns with the doctor who is looking after your dad
at the moment. I also feel that it is important not to jump to any conclusion without
knowing more information. Perhaps, things may not be as bad as they seem to be?Take care
Frank from Australia
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- November 24, 2011 at 1:12 am
I am very sorry to read about what has happened. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say
what is causing your dad's symptoms without further tests. However, if the symptoms are
due to melanoma it is possible that a brain met has bled causing a stroke.A seizure can be caused by a number of things including an infection (see:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003200.htm)Heart arrhythmia can also cause serious problems (see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_dysrhythmia).I encourage you to discuss your concerns with the doctor who is looking after your dad
at the moment. I also feel that it is important not to jump to any conclusion without
knowing more information. Perhaps, things may not be as bad as they seem to be?Take care
Frank from Australia
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- November 24, 2011 at 1:12 am
I am very sorry to read about what has happened. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say
what is causing your dad's symptoms without further tests. However, if the symptoms are
due to melanoma it is possible that a brain met has bled causing a stroke.A seizure can be caused by a number of things including an infection (see:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003200.htm)Heart arrhythmia can also cause serious problems (see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_dysrhythmia).I encourage you to discuss your concerns with the doctor who is looking after your dad
at the moment. I also feel that it is important not to jump to any conclusion without
knowing more information. Perhaps, things may not be as bad as they seem to be?Take care
Frank from Australia
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- November 24, 2011 at 12:07 am
Still no word on the kind of seizure, but the doctor took him off Zelboraf until he sees his regular Oncologist (already has an appt for visit and EKG next week). Suspecting heart arhythma, too. Can that cause a seizure or perhaps stroke? We have not been told if there was a stroke in the mix, but my brother suspects there was.
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- November 24, 2011 at 12:07 am
Still no word on the kind of seizure, but the doctor took him off Zelboraf until he sees his regular Oncologist (already has an appt for visit and EKG next week). Suspecting heart arhythma, too. Can that cause a seizure or perhaps stroke? We have not been told if there was a stroke in the mix, but my brother suspects there was.
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- November 24, 2011 at 1:11 am
Dearfoam,
Been thinking about you; sorry to hear of your dad's new development. Sounds like it could be an increase in swelling and/or a complication of his brain mets (?). Depending on where his tumors are located, it could explain the motor issues.
Will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope the doctors will figure this out very soon!
Michelle, wife of Don
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- November 24, 2011 at 1:11 am
Dearfoam,
Been thinking about you; sorry to hear of your dad's new development. Sounds like it could be an increase in swelling and/or a complication of his brain mets (?). Depending on where his tumors are located, it could explain the motor issues.
Will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope the doctors will figure this out very soon!
Michelle, wife of Don
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- November 24, 2011 at 1:11 am
Dearfoam,
Been thinking about you; sorry to hear of your dad's new development. Sounds like it could be an increase in swelling and/or a complication of his brain mets (?). Depending on where his tumors are located, it could explain the motor issues.
Will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope the doctors will figure this out very soon!
Michelle, wife of Don
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- November 25, 2011 at 7:02 am
Pulling for Dad. My family knows some of what you are goig thru. I spent a month in NICU last year (unconcious) then went to another month in Long term Acute Care..
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- November 25, 2011 at 7:02 am
Pulling for Dad. My family knows some of what you are goig thru. I spent a month in NICU last year (unconcious) then went to another month in Long term Acute Care..
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- November 25, 2011 at 7:02 am
Pulling for Dad. My family knows some of what you are goig thru. I spent a month in NICU last year (unconcious) then went to another month in Long term Acute Care..
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- November 25, 2011 at 7:09 pm
After several conflicting opinions, dad was ok’d for discharge straight from nicu yesterday. We weren’t able to since he couldn’t even stand or walk yet. We got him today instead. He is a little more with it, but nowhere near his baseline. Can walk very slowly and needs assistance walking and to stand. I was not impressed with that hospital one bit. But I digress.
He had a really high white blood cell count from the uti. On antibiotics (avelox) for next 8 days. Also on low dose of keppra (anti-seizure drug) twice a day. Will wait to talk to his medical oncologist Monday regarding the Zelboraf/ Lexapro/ qt prolonging arrhythmia stuff. My brother was told his heart had a .44, with .43 normal and .45 being definite arrhythmia. So he is prob having problem, but due to meds, seizure, disease is unknown.
We have an EKG appt next Wednesday already to monitor this.
The neurologist said he had irritation in right frontal lobe indicating seizure, but no more details were really obtainable.
Not sure how we will manage this weekend, he will not be independent, and we have no help lined up. I am not pbysically able to move or help him up. I guess that is what paramedics are for if it gets too bad.
On top of this, he was really ugly with my did, so he won’t be welcome for another visit like we just had. My poor husband is down to his last threads of patience. Dad told everyone how bad I was, taking over everything like money, that I am lying about his imaginary girlfriend, etc. Pretty delusional and lots of acting out. The whole family had said it is time to ask the dr if he can go to a facility to live. No one wants to deal with him. I’m not sure how much patience I have left in me. In other words, a very rough thanksgiving.-
- November 30, 2011 at 12:01 am
Boy have things changed.
Dad has been so very weak, hardly eating and drinking, and sleeping 20+ hours a day. We made it through the weekend with him very peaceful and calm and "glad to be home." No more agitation or signs of distress. He has been in bed most of the time since Friday evening, but managed to get up to the sofa for a little while today (Tuesday). Monday he slept over 22 hours.
His doctors discontinued his Zelboraf treatment and gave a home hospice order. It is a huge relief emotionally. We will see how it goes from here and wether or not we can handle the physical part or have to take up some other options.
-DF
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- November 30, 2011 at 12:01 am
Boy have things changed.
Dad has been so very weak, hardly eating and drinking, and sleeping 20+ hours a day. We made it through the weekend with him very peaceful and calm and "glad to be home." No more agitation or signs of distress. He has been in bed most of the time since Friday evening, but managed to get up to the sofa for a little while today (Tuesday). Monday he slept over 22 hours.
His doctors discontinued his Zelboraf treatment and gave a home hospice order. It is a huge relief emotionally. We will see how it goes from here and wether or not we can handle the physical part or have to take up some other options.
-DF
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- November 30, 2011 at 12:01 am
Boy have things changed.
Dad has been so very weak, hardly eating and drinking, and sleeping 20+ hours a day. We made it through the weekend with him very peaceful and calm and "glad to be home." No more agitation or signs of distress. He has been in bed most of the time since Friday evening, but managed to get up to the sofa for a little while today (Tuesday). Monday he slept over 22 hours.
His doctors discontinued his Zelboraf treatment and gave a home hospice order. It is a huge relief emotionally. We will see how it goes from here and wether or not we can handle the physical part or have to take up some other options.
-DF
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- November 25, 2011 at 7:09 pm
After several conflicting opinions, dad was ok’d for discharge straight from nicu yesterday. We weren’t able to since he couldn’t even stand or walk yet. We got him today instead. He is a little more with it, but nowhere near his baseline. Can walk very slowly and needs assistance walking and to stand. I was not impressed with that hospital one bit. But I digress.
He had a really high white blood cell count from the uti. On antibiotics (avelox) for next 8 days. Also on low dose of keppra (anti-seizure drug) twice a day. Will wait to talk to his medical oncologist Monday regarding the Zelboraf/ Lexapro/ qt prolonging arrhythmia stuff. My brother was told his heart had a .44, with .43 normal and .45 being definite arrhythmia. So he is prob having problem, but due to meds, seizure, disease is unknown.
We have an EKG appt next Wednesday already to monitor this.
The neurologist said he had irritation in right frontal lobe indicating seizure, but no more details were really obtainable.
Not sure how we will manage this weekend, he will not be independent, and we have no help lined up. I am not pbysically able to move or help him up. I guess that is what paramedics are for if it gets too bad.
On top of this, he was really ugly with my did, so he won’t be welcome for another visit like we just had. My poor husband is down to his last threads of patience. Dad told everyone how bad I was, taking over everything like money, that I am lying about his imaginary girlfriend, etc. Pretty delusional and lots of acting out. The whole family had said it is time to ask the dr if he can go to a facility to live. No one wants to deal with him. I’m not sure how much patience I have left in me. In other words, a very rough thanksgiving. -
- November 25, 2011 at 7:09 pm
After several conflicting opinions, dad was ok’d for discharge straight from nicu yesterday. We weren’t able to since he couldn’t even stand or walk yet. We got him today instead. He is a little more with it, but nowhere near his baseline. Can walk very slowly and needs assistance walking and to stand. I was not impressed with that hospital one bit. But I digress.
He had a really high white blood cell count from the uti. On antibiotics (avelox) for next 8 days. Also on low dose of keppra (anti-seizure drug) twice a day. Will wait to talk to his medical oncologist Monday regarding the Zelboraf/ Lexapro/ qt prolonging arrhythmia stuff. My brother was told his heart had a .44, with .43 normal and .45 being definite arrhythmia. So he is prob having problem, but due to meds, seizure, disease is unknown.
We have an EKG appt next Wednesday already to monitor this.
The neurologist said he had irritation in right frontal lobe indicating seizure, but no more details were really obtainable.
Not sure how we will manage this weekend, he will not be independent, and we have no help lined up. I am not pbysically able to move or help him up. I guess that is what paramedics are for if it gets too bad.
On top of this, he was really ugly with my did, so he won’t be welcome for another visit like we just had. My poor husband is down to his last threads of patience. Dad told everyone how bad I was, taking over everything like money, that I am lying about his imaginary girlfriend, etc. Pretty delusional and lots of acting out. The whole family had said it is time to ask the dr if he can go to a facility to live. No one wants to deal with him. I’m not sure how much patience I have left in me. In other words, a very rough thanksgiving.
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