The memory loss may be a side effect of a chemical exposure ... not the brain tumor per se

I'm not sure if there is anyone up and answering e-mails, but we've had a big bump in our brain tumor road and need someone to listen or answer a question.

Scott, my DH, has been battling a GBM IV for almost 3 1/2 years. Last month right before he was to have his MRI, he had a falling spell. THe MRI showed no increased tumor enhancement, but the necrosis was worse. Since then he's had a couple more falling down episodes. Other than that he is a little duller in affect, the memory is worse and he has trouble sleeping.

Today he got up with a headache. He slept through breakfast, just wanting to sleep. Would not take his morning meds. I got him to go to the bedroom, he had been on the couch. I managed to get Vanquish in him. I'm a student so I was doing homework and started reading and fell asleep. I woke up at 1:45 this afternoon expecting him to be up. He was still in bed and cold & clammy to the touch. I knew he had had a bad seizure. I tried to get him up & couldn't. I called my son, but was able to get Scott up to the toilet. Once there, he chewed his meds when I gave them to him, even though he had water. I had a difficult time getting him off of the toilet.

I called his oncologist who feels it is just a result of him missing his meds. He is still clammy. We had to feed him his dinner. He is here, but he is definitely "altered". I was told to take him to the oncologist if he is still like this in the morning. I'm afraid to wait. What if he gets worse while I'm sleeping? His once said to call if anything changed, but nothing has & that is what is worrying me. She told me before that I could always take him to the ER if I felt unsure.

I'm unsure. I don't want to make it more difficult for him by taking him to the ER. I am not prepared for this at all. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Sherry w/o Scott age 54 11 mo & 10 days (dx 7/2004)
7/04 resection, 33 rounds radiation
Temodar until 3/05
3/05 recurrence
3/05 - 9/07 Cilengitide trial
9/07 recurrence
9/07 - present carboplatin & Avastin

The memory loss may be a side effect of the flu causing chemical

which causes an anemia doctors don't generally find

Brain tumors, leukemia, high or low blood sugar/ blood pressure / body temp

may also be side effects

falling spells ... from lack of oxygen

I hope there is info here to help you and your doctors

http://www.valdezlink.com/re/normabrother.htm

My friend had an undetermned anemia ...

death certificate will say she died of pancreatic cancer,

signs she showed, looked like hemolytic anemia

http://www.valdezlink.com/re/jan08.htm

I have worked on finding out this chemical's harm for over 5 years