Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/21/2009

Question
Hi I am just wanting to enquire about my father.We are nursing him at home.18 months ago he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain tumor,they were able to operate then he underwent 8 weeks of radiation and 6 months of chemo. He has now been in bed for 3 months.It is slowly getting harder fro him.he used to be able to get to the toilet,Then he needed us to assist him, Now he is bed ridden,we are using pads as he is inconsistent.he is has turned off food a lot and is only eating a few table spoons a day.Also his right arm is in the one position and We have noticed that his right leg is also starting to go on him.He can not stand,sit or feed himself.he also looks around the room and sometimes loses memory of where he is.He also can not have a conversation anymore,as when he tries he stutters and says things completely different to what the subject is about.We have not seen his medical team in 4 months as we are unable to get him there.We do however have a doctor come around here but he doesn't know too much about Brain Tumors.Dad does not want to go to hospital and we are doing a great job caring for him at home,but I would just like a little insight on how things start to go towards the end.I hope you can help me with my question and appreciate your response.
Thank you

Answer
I suppose you mean a GRADE 4 brain tumour since brain tumours normally do not have stages. Well he probably has only some months left, maybe shorter. He will sleep more and more and become more and more confused. When he sleeps all the time his end is near. He will then drift into a coma and then pass away.
I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!