nursemeliss

First thank you for all the responses, I read them several weeks ago, but could not bring myself to reply at the time because it was just too painful at the time. My dad had 15 whole brain radiation treatments to start with he tolerated it quite well except for having a poor appetite due to food tasting different to him and getting less sleep due to the steroids. No complaints of pain/nausea/vomiting. He ended up having a seizure and went back into the hospital, this time they did do neurosurgery, I was told they removed 14 out of 18 tumors. The other 4 are too close to the brain stem to mess with. They also started him on Yervoy, so far no reactions or adverse effects. He has gotten 2/4 treatments. The doctors have tried 3 times unsuccessfully to wean him off the steroids, and every time he is unsteady, falls, and has confusion. My dad is 64 years old and he has deteriorated over the past 2 months losing 45 lbs, having difficulty doing the things he once loved and was good at. I am trying to be strong for him and not cry in front of him. Seeing this once strong healthy brilliant man become him frail is probably the most painful thing for me. I guess I want to know how hopeful to be, I have seen miracles in peoples stories here and sad ones. I have wanted to ask the doctor what his life expectancy is, but every time I'm at the appointment with him, I cannot bring myself to ask because I am afraid to hear the answer. Is there people out there that have had BRAF- Melanoma with Metz to the brain and lung that have survived and are living the life the want to? My dad has made it clear to me that if he "can't wipe his own ass, you had better pull the plug" (his words not mine). I want to follow his wishes and be realistic with how much quality time we will be able to spend together. Please respond if you can relate, or can fill me in on what I can expect down the road. Thank you!

First thank you for all the responses, I read them several weeks ago, but could not bring myself to reply at the time because it was just too painful at the time. My dad had 15 whole brain radiation treatments to start with he tolerated it quite well except for having a poor appetite due to food tasting different to him and getting less sleep due to the steroids. No complaints of pain/nausea/vomiting. He ended up having a seizure and went back into the hospital, this time they did do neurosurgery, I was told they removed 14 out of 18 tumors. The other 4 are too close to the brain stem to mess with. They also started him on Yervoy, so far no reactions or adverse effects. He has gotten 2/4 treatments. The doctors have tried 3 times unsuccessfully to wean him off the steroids, and every time he is unsteady, falls, and has confusion. My dad is 64 years old and he has deteriorated over the past 2 months losing 45 lbs, having difficulty doing the things he once loved and was good at. I am trying to be strong for him and not cry in front of him. Seeing this once strong healthy brilliant man become him frail is probably the most painful thing for me. I guess I want to know how hopeful to be, I have seen miracles in peoples stories here and sad ones. I have wanted to ask the doctor what his life expectancy is, but every time I'm at the appointment with him, I cannot bring myself to ask because I am afraid to hear the answer. Is there people out there that have had BRAF- Melanoma with Metz to the brain and lung that have survived and are living the life the want to? My dad has made it clear to me that if he "can't wipe his own ass, you had better pull the plug" (his words not mine). I want to follow his wishes and be realistic with how much quality time we will be able to spend together. Please respond if you can relate, or can fill me in on what I can expect down the road. Thank you!

First thank you for all the responses, I read them several weeks ago, but could not bring myself to reply at the time because it was just too painful at the time. My dad had 15 whole brain radiation treatments to start with he tolerated it quite well except for having a poor appetite due to food tasting different to him and getting less sleep due to the steroids. No complaints of pain/nausea/vomiting. He ended up having a seizure and went back into the hospital, this time they did do neurosurgery, I was told they removed 14 out of 18 tumors. The other 4 are too close to the brain stem to mess with. They also started him on Yervoy, so far no reactions or adverse effects. He has gotten 2/4 treatments. The doctors have tried 3 times unsuccessfully to wean him off the steroids, and every time he is unsteady, falls, and has confusion. My dad is 64 years old and he has deteriorated over the past 2 months losing 45 lbs, having difficulty doing the things he once loved and was good at. I am trying to be strong for him and not cry in front of him. Seeing this once strong healthy brilliant man become him frail is probably the most painful thing for me. I guess I want to know how hopeful to be, I have seen miracles in peoples stories here and sad ones. I have wanted to ask the doctor what his life expectancy is, but every time I'm at the appointment with him, I cannot bring myself to ask because I am afraid to hear the answer. Is there people out there that have had BRAF- Melanoma with Metz to the brain and lung that have survived and are living the life the want to? My dad has made it clear to me that if he "can't wipe his own ass, you had better pull the plug" (his words not mine). I want to follow his wishes and be realistic with how much quality time we will be able to spend together. Please respond if you can relate, or can fill me in on what I can expect down the road. Thank you!