mom-lung cancer-radiation on brain

Hi Susan,

Welcome to Caring's groups!  I'm glad you posted.

I don't have experience with this specifically, but I'm curious...do the doctors feel like this memory loss is long-term?  Did it occur a significant amount of time after her treatment stopped?  My dad had radiation on his brain, but thankfully only experienced short-term memory loss.  It wasn't the same as your mom as he never used the closet as a bathroom.  He more searched for words, was at a loss for names and just generally had no concept of time.  Thankfully as time passed, his memory improved dramatically.  I'm hoping your mom has the same experience.

Missy,

Thanks for your response.  They aren't sure.  They tell us that she could be fine in time or one day she could wake up and she could be fine.   She does forget words and lately she has also had panic attacks.  I'm hoping that she improves soon, My poor dad also has COPD and this is just wearing him out.  also did your dad not want to eat. since sept. mom has lost about 40 lbs.?

You're very welcome!

My dad did actually lose a huge amount of weight.  His deal was that his electrolytes got all out of whack.  A blood test will reveal that.  Has your mom's been checked?  Once his sodium level got stabilized, his memory, weight, energy level and general demeanor improved.  Hope that helps!

Hi Susan,

I'm sorry to hear of your mother's illness. The side effects seem as much a struggle as the disease, don't they? I do hope your mother's memory returns and that your dad can hang in there.  I'm thinking of you!

~Laura

 Hi Susan,

I know a little of what you are going through.  My mom died of lung cancer that grew aggressively  in her brain....She received numerous whole brain radiation treatments.   We learned how ruthless radiation can be....To save her life radiation help destroy a large tumor and numerous cancer seeds in her brain but along the way, healthy brain cells died as well.  My dad said my mother lost her person in the process.   My dad also had COPD and her suffering made everything harder for him.

I know that my mother knew love and felt love deeply.  Work with that in mind.  Just love her and remember who she really is.........Hang in there.....