What do you think??? Should I be worried???

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arndog64
arndog64 Member Posts: 537
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My husband is 8 months out from chemo and radiation. I have brought this subject up once before, but I am a little more worried. Last night my husband tripped over his ugg boots in the dark and fell while getting up tp let the dogs out. This morning, while I was at work he turned around and tripped over the dog and fell again. He just had shoulder surgery a month ago and he said he was in a lot of pain, but did not think he hurt anything in his shoulder. I asked him about falling last night, and he said what are you talking about. He could not remember that he fell. i called his chemo doc to see if we need to follow up with her or go to our GP. She said go to the GP first. Am I expecting too much, or should I be concerned?

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  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #2
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    Typical day at my house
    With the two dogs and family members leaving boots by the door with the winter weather. You don't say if he is still on medication. 8 months is still way early in the recovery phase. Cisplatin and other platinum based chemo drugs wreak havoc with balance and cause neurapathy of the extremities. Also I don't recall if he still has a feeding tube in?? If so it alters the way you walk as you are always guarding that one side from getting snagged on something??? Keep an eye on things but don't panic yet.
  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103
    #3
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    Always
    Let's face it, we are always concerned. If he just had shoulder surgery he might be favoring or protecting that side. I would first make sure that there is nothing that he could trip on and if he continues, call for an appointment. I believe that he had a scan done not too long ago, was everything ok then? Talk to the dog about not sneaking up on dad! You might put a bell on the collar. I know that I had a dizzy spell last week and immediately thought the worst--then I thought to check blood sugar, darn machine was out so I ate breakfast. Felt ok the rest of the day.
  • Pumakitty
    Pumakitty Member Posts: 652
    #4
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    I understand
    Every since dad got diagnosised he had fell a lot. It seems like when he turns around will fast he will lose his balance. When he finished treatment the firs time he tried physical therapy. They determined that once he got off balance he could not get steady again and would fall. The last time he fell was on the way the out of the chemo office. He went to step down from the crub and fell. His cancer doctor checked him and said it was because he does not pick his feet up when he walks.

    I would talk with his regular doctor first, but if you do not get an answer then I would talk with the chemo doctor. They also told dad it could be the pain patches causing him balance issues.

    I hope you get some answers soon.

    Kathy
  • connieprice1
    connieprice1 Member Posts: 300 Member
    #5
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    Say "Hello" to Arndog for
    Say "Hello" to Arndog for me. Hopefully he just has to be more careful. Connie is doing great except she has had problems gaining weight. No real loss and no real gains so we are very happy with her progress. Wish you both the Best, Homer & Connie
  • tonyb
    tonyb Member Posts: 69
    #6
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    short term memory loss
    short term memory loss was one of the many side effects that my doctor warned me about.
    but not remembering a bad fall seems a little more than what i have experienced. I wouldn't say that i would be worried but i would sure discuss it with the doctor. whoever is the big dog of your cancer docs is the one i would want to talk to.
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #7
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    I think I replied the last time but just in case. Jim Had stumbling and memory problems. No one seemed concerned but his Radiation Oncologist who ordered a CT of the brain. It was Normal Hydrocyphylus (water on the brain). He had surgery Monday to relieve the pressure on the brain. Shoul clear it up soon. Also, sounds like dogs and boots are the real culprit from the falls, not the memory.

    Praying for you both.

    Debbie
  • arndog64
    arndog64 Member Posts: 537
    #8
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    jim and i said:

    I think I replied the last time but just in case. Jim Had stumbling and memory problems. No one seemed concerned but his Radiation Oncologist who ordered a CT of the brain. It was Normal Hydrocyphylus (water on the brain). He had surgery Monday to relieve the pressure on the brain. Shoul clear it up soon. Also, sounds like dogs and boots are the real culprit from the falls, not the memory.

    Praying for you both.

    Debbie

    Yes, I remember your reply
    Yes, I remember your reply and that made me think to get him checked out. I do believe his falling is due to objects. He went to see his GP yesterday and he had him stand with his feet together and close his eyes, he was swaying all over the place. They have referred him to a neurologist. We are seeking a second opinion on the 31st with his oncologist to see if she agrees with his referral. My husband suffers from short term memory loss, mild confusion and can not walk a straight line. I am sure it is chemo related, but the equalibrium being off ha the doc a little concerned. So, we are just making sure all is well.

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