How do we help my brother-in-law, who is receiving chemo and radiation, get ready to leave the house a little quicker?
1 answer
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Last updated: Jun 22, 2010
Q
My brother-in-law has a GBM and is getting chemo and radiation. Because he is easily side-tracked and moves so slow, it takes him hours to get ready to leave the house. How can we get him to pick up the pace?
A
Gloria Nelson is a senior oncology social worker at the Montefiore-Einstein Medical Center in Bronx, New York.
Chemotherapy can cause thinking and memory problems, known as "chemo brain," that might be making it difficult for your brother to be organized and efficient. For practical suggestions for coping with "chemo brain," see our list of tips. For example, you might help him pack a small backpack or fanny pack with everything he needs the night before, so it's ready by the door.
If the problem is that weakness and fatigue are making it difficult for your brother to move quickly, you can help him plan to get more rest and eat a nutritious meal before his appointments. You also may simply have to plan your brother's appointments for later in the day to allow more time to get ready.
