radiation side effect?

Hi,

My father has recently started a new set of radiation treatments to his
pelvis area. Since he started those he has been having some issues with
regards to seizure like episodes where he cannot speak or when he does
it is very slow and confused. He did have a head scan and apparently
there is no evidence of stroke or mets (I don't think Mom lied to me
when I asked about the scan results...)

He did also start a new chemo almost 2 weeks before these episodes
started.

Thought or ideas anyone? Thanks,

Nina

NinaW wrote:

> My father has recently started a new set of radiation treatments to his
> pelvis area. Since he started those he has been having some issues with
> regards to seizure like episodes where he cannot speak or when he does
> it is very slow and confused. He did have a head scan and apparently
> there is no evidence of stroke or mets (I don't think Mom lied to me
> when I asked about the scan results...)
>
> He did also start a new chemo almost 2 weeks before these episodes
> started.

Here's my thoughts, Nina.
Side effects from RT to the pelvis: No
Is he taking any other medications?

Sounds like something's wrong in his brain.
Remember there can be mets that don't show up on scans.
Remember that people with cancer are prone to bleeds or clots and I don't
know which scan(s) best view those.

Here's an article about brain mets in case something there helps you, in
some way
http://www.emedicine.com/Radio/topic101.htm
J

"NinaW" <radiography@canada.com> wrote in message
news:1161030830.093043.195110@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi,
>
> My father has recently started a new set of radiation treatments to his
> pelvis area. Since he started those he has been having some issues with
> regards to seizure like episodes where he cannot speak or when he does
> it is very slow and confused. He did have a head scan and apparently
> there is no evidence of stroke or mets (I don't think Mom lied to me
> when I asked about the scan results...)
>
> He did also start a new chemo almost 2 weeks before these episodes
> started.
>
> Thought or ideas anyone? Thanks,
>
> Nina
>

It's certainly nothing to do with the radiation.
What's the primary cancer?

Steph wrote:

> "NinaW" <radiography@canada.com> wrote in message
> > Hi,
> >
> > My father has recently started a new set of radiation treatments to his
> > pelvis area. Since he started those he has been having some issues with
> > regards to seizure like episodes where he cannot speak or when he does
> > it is very slow and confused. He did have a head scan and apparently
> > there is no evidence of stroke or mets (I don't think Mom lied to me
> > when I asked about the scan results...)
> >
> > He did also start a new chemo almost 2 weeks before these episodes
> > started.
> >
> > Thought or ideas anyone? Thanks,
> >
> > Nina
> >
>
> It's certainly nothing to do with the radiation.
> What's the primary cancer?

esophageal cancer
most recent news is that the liver mets and lymph nodes are worsening and
that a soft tissue mass was found right up against the sacrum
J

"J" <ercent@anon.inv> wrote in message
news:45347E92.DED15499@execulink.com...
> Steph wrote:
>
>> "NinaW" <radiography@canada.com> wrote in message
>> > Hi,
>> >
>> > My father has recently started a new set of radiation treatments to his
>> > pelvis area. Since he started those he has been having some issues with
>> > regards to seizure like episodes where he cannot speak or when he does
>> > it is very slow and confused. He did have a head scan and apparently
>> > there is no evidence of stroke or mets (I don't think Mom lied to me
>> > when I asked about the scan results...)
>> >
>> > He did also start a new chemo almost 2 weeks before these episodes
>> > started.
>> >
>> > Thought or ideas anyone? Thanks,
>> >
>> > Nina
>> >
>>
>> It's certainly nothing to do with the radiation.
>> What's the primary cancer?
>
> esophageal cancer
> most recent news is that the liver mets and lymph nodes are worsening and
> that a soft tissue mass was found right up against the sacrum
> J
>

I would think a seizure problem would be either drugs or metastatic disease
that isn't showing on the scans

Thanks for the replies. It would seem that overstimulation brings these
episodes on. Dad started taking ativan on a regular basis and that
seems to be helping a great deal. Could this be a stress reaction in
combination with all the drugs, chemo and radiation? If it is brain
mets what is the median survival for esophageal adenocarcinoma?

Dad wants to see me this week for the goodbye before the actual goodbye
talk. I'm nervous. I have been very candid with him all along. I think
this is more about what he wants to say to me. I suppose this is a good
thing but it makes me feel cold inside and fearful for what he has to
say. I know that is paranoid thinking...

Anyways, it's starting to get really hard. I don't know how centered I
can stay through this process.

Nina


NinaW wrote:
> Hi,
>
> My father has recently started a new set of radiation treatments to his
> pelvis area. Since he started those he has been having some issues with
> regards to seizure like episodes where he cannot speak or when he does
> it is very slow and confused. He did have a head scan and apparently
> there is no evidence of stroke or mets (I don't think Mom lied to me
> when I asked about the scan results...)
>
> He did also start a new chemo almost 2 weeks before these episodes
> started.
>
> Thought or ideas anyone? Thanks,
>
> Nina

"NinaW" <radiography@canada.com> wrote in message
news:1161110910.155649.268930@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
> Thanks for the replies. It would seem that overstimulation brings these
> episodes on. Dad started taking ativan on a regular basis and that
> seems to be helping a great deal. Could this be a stress reaction in
> combination with all the drugs, chemo and radiation? If it is brain
> mets what is the median survival for esophageal adenocarcinoma?
>

Median survival with brain mets is 12-16 weeks

NinaW wrote:

> Thanks for the replies. It would seem that overstimulation brings these
> episodes on. Dad started taking ativan on a regular basis and that
> seems to be helping a great deal. Could this be a stress reaction in
> combination with all the drugs, chemo and radiation? If it is brain
> mets what is the median survival for esophageal adenocarcinoma?

Hello Nina,
I'd like to think that it is stress, perhaps in part, in anticipation of this
meeting.

> Dad wants to see me this week for the goodbye before the actual goodbye
> talk. I'm nervous. I have been very candid with him all along. I think
> this is more about what he wants to say to me. I suppose this is a good
> thing but it makes me feel cold inside and fearful for what he has to
> say. I know that is paranoid thinking...

I suppose, but to be expected.
There really is no dress rehearsal for such a discussion; being so personal
and individual.

> Anyways, it's starting to get really hard. I don't know how centered I
> can stay through this process.

Trust yourself; you're probably stronger than you think you are.
There's probably resources available, at the centre, for you, if needed.
And we're here for you, as well.
( ( ( Nina ) ) )
J

Yeah, I'm nervous because I don't want Dad trying to make up for "past
sins" he thinks he must atone (sp?) for. I'm also afraid of him trying
to "father" me too much with advice or "dying wishes" for me to
fulfill. Like I said, I'm probably being paranoid. He keeps thanking me
for being his inspiration and "rock". I just want us to talk like we
always do. Goodbye is only temporary anyways, I believe we all have to
place to go when we are done on this earth.

We don't know how much time he has. I've seen sicker people than him
drag on for months and months. I don't want him to have brain mets,
that seems like a cruel cosmic joke to take away a person's sense
before they are gone.

Anyways, thanks for letting me vent...

Nina

NinaW wrote:

> Yeah, I'm nervous because I don't want Dad trying to make up for "past
> sins" he thinks he must atone (sp?) for. I'm also afraid of him trying
> to "father" me too much with advice or "dying wishes" for me to
> fulfill. Like I said, I'm probably being paranoid. He keeps thanking me
> for being his inspiration and "rock". I just want us to talk like we
> always do. Goodbye is only temporary anyways, I believe we all have to
> place to go when we are done on this earth.
>
> We don't know how much time he has. I've seen sicker people than him
> drag on for months and months. I don't want him to have brain mets,
> that seems like a cruel cosmic joke to take away a person's sense
> before they are gone.

Hello Nina,
You struck a chord with this post; reminder of something that happened with
Dad, years ago.

I've been missing but not really; read earlier, just too tired to post
earlier today.

How are you doing? And when's the meeting ?

You've been on my mind, and will continue to be.
I'm here, reading and caring.

Hugs
J

The "meeting" is tomorrow. I asked Mom if he is dropping any
bombshells. She said she does not know why he is doing this now, that
he is fine and will be for awhile. She also alluded to his sporadic yet
serious sense of drama. I've been a mess the last two days, with Dad
you just don't know what is coming. Anyways, he has to do this on his
own time and in his own way. If he asks for me to become "born again"
as a dying wish I just do not know what to do with that, religion has
been something that we have been parallel on but never saw eye to eye.

What will be will be. I think I might be a tad pissed if he is making a
production of saying goodbye and then sticks around for another year. I
know that sounds cold, I don't want to have the "closing credits"
playing forever. I want the actual movie to keep going as long as
possible...

Nina


>
> How are you doing? And when's the meeting ?
>
> You've been on my mind, and will continue to be.
> I'm here, reading and caring.
>
> Hugs
> J

NinaW wrote:

> The "meeting" is tomorrow. I asked Mom if he is dropping any
> bombshells. She said she does not know why he is doing this now, that
> he is fine and will be for awhile. She also alluded to his sporadic yet
> serious sense of drama. I've been a mess the last two days, with Dad
> you just don't know what is coming. Anyways, he has to do this on his
> own time and in his own way. If he asks for me to become "born again"
> as a dying wish I just do not know what to do with that, religion has
> been something that we have been parallel on but never saw eye to eye.
>
> What will be will be. I think I might be a tad pissed if he is making a
> production of saying goodbye and then sticks around for another year. I
> know that sounds cold, I don't want to have the "closing credits"
> playing forever. I want the actual movie to keep going as long as
> possible...

I hear you

And..
Whoops ! When I saw "tomorrow" (on your post) this morning, I thought I'd
have time to reply later today (rushing out the door), but now realize that
was probably before midnight your time...
How did things go, Nina?
J

Hi,

It went fine. I don't know why Dad had to make a big deal about this
meeting. It was no different than last week when we started to talk
openly about things. The only difference is that he seems more at peace
and says he is now OK with dying. I don't actually believe him, he is
close, but not all the way there yet. It's like he is trying to talk
himself into being alright with things.

In any case, I was there and will continue to be there for him and to
not waste any time with him. I did tell him my "closing credits"
analogy and he agrees that he may still have a lot of living to do yet.

This is all new to me. I don't really know what to think about the
process. I'm happy that he can talk to me and now to others, I just
wish he could find something to laugh about from time to time.

Thanks for the support and kind words, I'll update more as things
happen.

NIna
> I hear you
>
> And..
> Whoops ! When I saw "tomorrow" (on your post) this morning, I thought I'd
> have time to reply later today (rushing out the door), but now realize that
> was probably before midnight your time...
> How did things go, Nina?
> J

NinaW wrote:

> It went fine. I don't know why Dad had to make a big deal about this
> meeting. It was no different than last week when we started to talk
> openly about things. The only difference is that he seems more at peace
> and says he is now OK with dying. I don't actually believe him, he is
> close, but not all the way there yet. It's like he is trying to talk
> himself into being alright with things.
>
> In any case, I was there and will continue to be there for him and to
> not waste any time with him. I did tell him my "closing credits"
> analogy and he agrees that he may still have a lot of living to do yet.
>
> This is all new to me. I don't really know what to think about the
> process. I'm happy that he can talk to me and now to others, I just
> wish he could find something to laugh about from time to time.

hello Nina,
You're helping him come to terms.
Would you settle for a smile? I could be wrong, but I'm bettin' that he smiles
when he thinks of you.
He must be so proud of you. I would be.

It's hard to hug when tears are just below the surface (the floodgates could open
and make it dificult to get on with the day), but I do hope you and your Dad get
some hugs, while he's feeling well enough.

There's nothing like feeling the warmth, the heartbeat and the strength that only
a Dad has.
I don't want to "preach" you, but since, for years, I was too far away to get
those hugs from my Dad, I hope you won't miss out on the opportunties. They're
memories we cherish forever.

And yes, please keep in touch and take care of you.
J

Dad grabbed me for a good hug when he was standing up, which he isn't
most of the time. It caught me off guard but I was there for it. Most
of our hugs are difficult because he is reclined in a chair.
Thanks for pointing that obvious one out to me though!
Nina

> There's nothing like feeling the warmth, the heartbeat and the strength that only
> a Dad has.
> I don't want to "preach" you, but since, for years, I was too far away to get
> those hugs from my Dad, I hope you won't miss out on the opportunties. They're
> memories we cherish forever.
>
>

NinaW wrote:

> Dad grabbed me for a good hug when he was standing up, which he isn't
> most of the time. It caught me off guard but I was there for it. Most
> of our hugs are difficult because he is reclined in a chair.
> Thanks for pointing that obvious one out to me though!
> Nina

I'm glad you got a full hug, Nina.
Let us know how it's going.
J