“My father has started fumbling a lot after his cancer treatment. Is it normal?”
My father has developed a lot of cognitive problems and is also fumbling a lot after his cancer treatment. Is it a normal side effect?
2 Answers
Cognitive problems can be a result of toxicities due to medications given to prevent side effects of the chemotherapy. Incoordination can be an effect on nerves caused by the chemotherapy drugs. It may be that the dosages or the agents need to be adjusted. It is important to ask these questions of the prescribing doctor so that these symptoms can be considered.
The usual list of suspects includes:
-Poor reaction to steroids other support med or fluids
-Neuropathy
-Something that warrants a diagnostic brain image
However, the practical approach is to have the staff collect more facts. Make staff aware and get an evaluation plan. Fall precautions, no driving, no unsupervised business. No unaccompanied chemo sessions. Make sure alert when eating.
-Poor reaction to steroids other support med or fluids
-Neuropathy
-Something that warrants a diagnostic brain image
However, the practical approach is to have the staff collect more facts. Make staff aware and get an evaluation plan. Fall precautions, no driving, no unsupervised business. No unaccompanied chemo sessions. Make sure alert when eating.
