Hiya, I haven't posted on this board before so here goes. . .

My grandad has prostate cancer which spread to his bones, he was having chemo but now that has finished. He has always complained that his vision has not been right since having the chemo so today we went to optician only to be told that has suffered a stroke and that his vision will never recover. My nan has said that grandad used to get funny turns after the chemo sessions where he would black out / pass out (I'm not sure of the facts - I don't think they really like talking about it) and I wondered whether that was him having a stoke?

He was always a really fit, healthy, active and totally clued up but now its like he is different person. It seems this chemo has totally wioed him out. Its been 8 weeks since the final session he still has no appetite, no motivation (he won't even sit in the garden). His memory has gone and sometimes can't even remember the simplist of things.
How much longer is likely to be like this? Is there any hope that he will get any bit of a normal life back?

Any advice?

Thanks so much, F xxxxxxx

Hi Fiona, sorry for the delay in replying to you but I rarely come on these boards during the late afternoon evening.

To be honest I don't think the chemo would have caused a stroke as such but it does sound as though your grandad was having mild strokes when he was passing out after his chemo sessions. His memory loss is probably due to the stroke/strokes not the chemo. If he hasn't been refered to his GP you should contact the surgery ASAP so that your grandad gets the best possible care. With suitable treatment, further strokes could be avoided.

Loss of appetite and lack of interest in things are common as side effects in strokes and after chemo, and with cancer itself. The best person to ask for advice would, again, be the GP. Sorry if this sounds as though I am fobbing you off, I am not, but I am not medically trained. Any knowledge I have has been picked up as a result of losing my husband to cancer.

Please keep posting on this board though whenever you feel the need. Often understanding through shared experiences can make the problems seem easier.

hugs