Thread: My Dad
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Old Tue Aug 14, 2012, 01:47 PM
Neil Cuadra Neil Cuadra is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 2,557
Jill,

Ironically, patients have to be strong enough to take strong drugs, so a patient who is weak may not be able to take a drug, due to the immediate risks, even if it could help them get stronger in the long run. But the doctor is the one most qualified to answer your Revlimid question.

Since Joe can't easily get to the bathroom and back, and he needs to keep up his fluid intake, I think it's a risk not to address the problem that he fell and could fall again. You could get a bedside portable commode, use a bedpan, or use adult diapers. None of them are especially dignified, but neither is wetting the bed or needing help with every bathroom trip.

The question of how much information your Dad and your Mom should have is a very personal decision. On the one side they deserve to know the facts and make their own decisions, but on the other side you know better than anyone whether they (or just one of them) will give up hope if they hear bad news. I tend to think that people should be given every opportunity to know what's happening to them and what their choices are, if they are competent to understand it, but I know plenty of people who take a different approach and don't want to know or share bad news. Some people don't handle bad news well but for some it's actually a benefit to replace fear of the unknown with cold hard facts, whatever they may be.

This is a very big burden for you so remember that sharing the burden will make it easier for you to cope. Some doctors are sensitive to this type of issue, and others are far too blunt when talking to patients and their families. It might be worth having a frank talk with the doctor privately, to share your opinion that giving a timeline may be "bad medicine". Still, be sensitive to clues about what your parents want to know or not know.

Remember that this may be a low point, with better days around the corner as your Dad regains strength, so try to keep your spirits up. Whatever optimism you can muster will rub off on everyone else.
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