I am really confused. I am caring for my elderly father who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in August. I moved him thousands of miles to live with me so I could help him through the treatments etc.
He has had a fortnight of radiotherapy to his skull, six weeks ago. When he finished the radiotherapy, he could walk, though he used a stick it was mostly for reassurance. Now he can hardly stand and just manages to walk with a frame on wheels. I am told this could be the dexamethasone he is on but no one is sure. He is now totally incontinent, where this hadn't been a problem before.
The district nurses come once a week and are full of good cheer and their case plan for him includes removing him from their books because he will be stable and effectively well - though not cured - in a couple of months time. I have asked for his Oncologist to give a home visit - he won't less a GP says to do so. I have asked my father's GP to do a home visit but she is reluctant. I don't know why, and keeps saying that it is probably time for him to go to hospital because I am getting tired. I want him here and feel I am coping - just ;) She hasn't seen him, she is relying on my assessment of him and I have no idea how he is. Is it still the radiotherapy? Is it the dexamethasone? Is it the disease? Is it because his life has fallen apart because of the disease? I am not qualified to make this assessment - I have never dealt with anything like this before. If he is dying that is sad but it is OK and if this is his death from multiple myeloma then he is doing well with it. If it is a hiatus in his 'recovery' then how do I do the best for my father - do I let him just lie in bed, which is what he wants, do I get him up and doing? How can I know the difference. Anyone got any suggestions about what might be going on?