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What Is The Recovery Period Of A Person With Spreading Scalp Melanoma?
Question: My brother suffers from stage 4 melanomas (brach chromosome mutation type) on scalp (removed by surgery 2 years ago) spread to lungs, and now possibly other organs. For 5 months he has struggled with chemo, imunotherapy, and now is not in pain, but his heart (on a pacemaker) for fibulation, is weakening with very chilled skin, BP consistently under 100/ 60. And difficulty sleeping and walking.
What can we expect in terms of recovery to at least get in--home care? We think He needs 24/7 nurse at a minimum and possibly hospital care, but as yet he will not consider it.
Any suggestion? XXXXXXX in Arizona
What can we expect in terms of recovery to at least get in--home care? We think He needs 24/7 nurse at a minimum and possibly hospital care, but as yet he will not consider it.
Any suggestion? XXXXXXX in Arizona
Brief Answer:
You have to consider a number of things here.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing.
I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.
Here are a few things to consider in this matter.
1) He no more has problems regarding his cancer..there is no pain.
2) His BP is low..that's one thing if this low BP is effecting his everyday activities that is an other thing, and no body but he can tell how is it for him.
3) He can walk and move around( with difficulty but he can) now he has to decide what he needs in the end he is the one who needs to get comforted. If one gets a 24/7 care taker but his peace of mind is disturbed by presence of a person it wont do the job infact it would make things worse for him.
So if he feels that he needs 24/7 nursing care he should be given it otherwise he shouldnt be persuaded. Here in this case there is a very important role to be played by his treating doctor who knows his case and in whome he trusts. Doctor is the best person to recommend the way in home care should be done and then the recommendation can be discussed with the patient.
In my personal opinion if he is doing fine with low BP and low BP is not caus8ng any problems and he is ok with performing daily chores even if it is with difficulty then he wont be needing a round the clock nurse ... moslty i recommend this to only bed ridden patients... yes there are some parts of the day when one needs most of the help like some people ask for care in the day time when they need to move around for the sake of their daily activities business and stuff then a day time nursing care can be arranged.
In the same way some feel it difficult to deal with the night time then that part of the day can be covered by a care taker.
24/7 care is only for bed ridden patient who cant even turn their side in the bed... in the scenario we are discussing even the family members can help or a caretaker just for that part of the day which the patient thinks can be made better by a care taker.
I hope this answered your question, a
if you have more please feel free to ask.
Regrads.
Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.
M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician)
You have to consider a number of things here.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing.
I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.
Here are a few things to consider in this matter.
1) He no more has problems regarding his cancer..there is no pain.
2) His BP is low..that's one thing if this low BP is effecting his everyday activities that is an other thing, and no body but he can tell how is it for him.
3) He can walk and move around( with difficulty but he can) now he has to decide what he needs in the end he is the one who needs to get comforted. If one gets a 24/7 care taker but his peace of mind is disturbed by presence of a person it wont do the job infact it would make things worse for him.
So if he feels that he needs 24/7 nursing care he should be given it otherwise he shouldnt be persuaded. Here in this case there is a very important role to be played by his treating doctor who knows his case and in whome he trusts. Doctor is the best person to recommend the way in home care should be done and then the recommendation can be discussed with the patient.
In my personal opinion if he is doing fine with low BP and low BP is not caus8ng any problems and he is ok with performing daily chores even if it is with difficulty then he wont be needing a round the clock nurse ... moslty i recommend this to only bed ridden patients... yes there are some parts of the day when one needs most of the help like some people ask for care in the day time when they need to move around for the sake of their daily activities business and stuff then a day time nursing care can be arranged.
In the same way some feel it difficult to deal with the night time then that part of the day can be covered by a care taker.
24/7 care is only for bed ridden patient who cant even turn their side in the bed... in the scenario we are discussing even the family members can help or a caretaker just for that part of the day which the patient thinks can be made better by a care taker.
I hope this answered your question, a
if you have more please feel free to ask.
Regrads.
Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.
M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician)
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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