Brother In Law With Gbm Iv

My brother in law Jim was diagnosed with GBM IV in April 2008. No resection was possible. He went through 6 weeks of radiation and Temodar. Spent 17 of the last 20 days in the hospital with blood clots, complications with the blood thinner, two falls, cracked shoulder, low platelets, etc. His short term memory is just shot! He forgets that he needs help and tries to get up and walk and then falls. He's home again as of yesterday and lives with his 83 year old father which is a whole separate story/nightmare. My husband does basically most of the care giving, managing his care, etc but we do not live with them.

Although there are many issues in dealing with this our biggest concern right now is dealing with the short term memory loss. We remind him that he needs to call for help before getting up and walking but he just doesn't (can't) remember. Living with his father he has him there but his dad sleeps very soundly and actually closes his bedroom door at night so may not hear him if he does remember to call out. We've told him to keep his door open but that's another battle. Jim cannot fall again and end up back in the hospital! We can't have someone sit with him 24/7 by his side to be sure he doesn't get up by himself. How do we deal with the short term memory loss - espcially at night? Do we just do our best and hope he doesn't fall again?

As many of you have said this is just the worst thing to go through. Cancer is tough enough but brain cancer is just a nightmare! It's emotionally and physically exhausting! Thanks for being there and listening.

 

I can certainly relate to the memory loss! I was Dx June 2007 with GBM iv. My brother continues to live in denial about my condition, telling me that my only problem is that I am disorganized and un disciplined. lol. If only that were true.

I don't know what to advise about your BIL. Does he use a cane? Maybe keeping a cane by his bed would remind him to use it before he attempts to get up?

Sadly my opinion is that with short-term memory loss your brother-in-law should not be left alone.  Falling is certainly a problem, but there are many more to consider.  Could he try cooking and and have a mishap?  Might he leave the home and get lost?  Could he fall and sustain a head injury that could be life threatening? Your 83 year old father-in-law is incapable of or doesn't want to be responsible for his care.  This is more than your husband can do since he does not live with his brother.  You say he cannot have 24/7 companionship, but that would be the most reasonable optioin to be sure he is properly cared for and looked after.

I am so sorry you are going through this.  I can relate to this situation.  My husband had short term memory loss, low platelets, blood clots, vena cava filter placed.  He could no longer take avastin or any other chemo because of the low platelets.  blood clots kept forming.  My husband could not walk on his own, but with help he could go three steps.  A few times he did try to get up on his own and almost fell.  This was even when I was with him 24/7.  He couldn't remember who I was, where he was, who he was towards the end.  How devasting this illness is!!  It was difficult for me to take care of him.  I don't know how your father in law would be able to care for his son.  I was told 7 months before my husband passed that he should not drive or stay by himself.  I lift you and your family up in prayer as you go through this challenging time.