Hypercalcemia

[ferlew]

Mr F became very poorly on Sunday, resulting in admission to hospital.
Tests so far are showing he has Hypercalcemia. Not really sure how this happens, they have hinted it may be linked to the lung cancer he had a couple of years back.
Went to see him yesterday, and I was shocked and scared, quite used to him being forgetful, but this was something else again.
Rambling incoherently, seeing stuff that just was not there, (a fully operational Post Office in one of the bed bays, and water from the ceiling and so on.
And yet, amongst all that he was able to direct me to the box and receipt for his Rolex watch, which in 28 years I have NEVER seen.
Also, it appears he attacked another patient who went across to him, thinking he was taking the "P".
Any insight into this condition would be greatly appreciated.

[rockyracoon]

Oh Ferlew. So sorry to hear that. I'm sure Mr F will find the peace he deserves at home with you and his family.

Peace be with you all.

[Peter Pedant]

// There is a small chance....perhaps not that small, that it is linked to his lung cancer.//

I would say ( not having seen the notes etc - oo-er like that doctor at GOSH) that there is quite a large chance it is related to the ca lung or another
in which case it could be suppressed by steroids

but it is quite possible that his condition is NOT caused by the high Ca++ so you get it under control and he is still out of it

I think we all know Sqad and Slaney are doctors

[Mamyalynne]

Ferlew you have the right approach, bring him home and have in place all the help you can get your hands on - it really is the best way.

I really do know what you're going through and am thinking of you all.

[Sqad]

ferlew......sorry to say, but that diagnosis was always on the cards and without it, one would be pushed to find a credible reason for the abnormal blood result.

[Peter Pedant]

He in hospital
I would get a palliative care consult with a view of getting him home - and the Macnmillan nurses involved

at least you have clarity about what is going on

[Islay]

ferlew so sorry to hear this, enjoy the time you have together and the lucid times xx

[Lie-in King]

I'm sorry to see you've had this news, ((Ferlew)). I understand the difficult times you've ahead, but love & the best assistance you can get will help you. x

[Tilly2]

I am sorry to hear your news, Ferlew, and wish you strength in the days to come.

[anneasquith]

I'm sorry that is the probable diagnosis ferlew, now time for organization between you and the hospital to get oh home,

[marval]

I am so sorry to hear your news Ferlew, I hope you can get him home.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, at this difficult time.

[anneasquith]

How was Mr f last night ferlew ?

[NoMercy]

May I ask what type of lung cancer he was diagnosed with?

If it was adenocarcinoma, they can test for mutations called ALK and EGFR to determine if he's eligible for tyrosine kinase inhibitors. If it's either the aforementioned or a squamous cell they can look for something called PDL1 expression to determine whether immunotherapy with Pembrolizumab is indicated but there would need to be PDL1 expression in at least 50% of his tumour cells.

In the first instance they will probably commence him on Dexamethasone to improve his functional status and then arrange to graduate his whole brain.

It's unlikely that he will be fit enough to receive conventional palliative chemotherapy.

[murraymints]

Ferlew.. can't add any more than huge hugs... take of yourself and accept all the help offered... will say an extra Hail Mary for you.....my most sincere considered best wishes this is not an easy time....xxx....

[murraymints]

care ^^

[albaqwerty]

Ferlew, I am so sorry. xx

[NoMercy]

IRRADIATE his whole brain.

[ferlew]

Just back in from today's visit, and in answer to a couple of questions....
He is cheerier today, although dreadfully worried about this chap that keeps telling him we are having an affair !! Not quite as confused as the day before.
What sort of cancer? I have no idea, they took a lobe out of his lung is all I know. Background of smoking, working with coal and asbestos dust. Given the all clear last autumn.
Also diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, lungs are mostly white scar tissue. TBH how the hell he has made it this far I have no blinking idea.
Home next week with a full care package was the answer I was given this afternoon. "Fast Tracked"
Because the confusion has lessened a bit, they are now not sure about cancer in the brain. A brain scan has been ordered, but the general consensus is that in his state of health, and at almost 80, they will do nothing invasive. Weeks to months is what they are saying.
Thanks for all kind thoughts, much appreciated :)

[anneasquith]

I do hope Mr. F gets home soon , a bit of advice take as much assistance as offered, take care , no mercy, will you stop posting rubbish that is totally irrelevant to this post, its useless information .

[anneasquith]

Ferlew, please accept my apology re my knee jerk reaction above to nomercy, this thread is about you, oh and family.

[Peter Pedant]

yes I think you do need to apol Anne my sweet
and not only to Ferlew -
I will economise on the lovey dovey bit Furl and say - get him (Mr Furl) on the palliative care pathway
get him home - get the GP involved - get the Macmillan nurses involved as it is obvious you know the score ....
Dexamethazone is good for a high Ca - two of us have said that and your doctors will know that too


and oops sorry Furl - a little bit of hijackery
Nomervy - I have a DBCL lymphoma (CD20+) R-CHOP - 2012 - remission but relapsed rt orbit 2015 and given R - GCVP 2015 - with now no disease

what next for my next relapse ? or is it wait and see ?

I would have delayed but I think the rudemess on AB may make you take off

and Yes anne if you understand nothing about molecular genetics and molecular genomics - follow your own advice and shut up!