Behavioral changes

Since the diagnosis of Glioblastoma grade 4 in August, my husband has had the tumor removed and completed the round of radiation and chemotherapy - temodar.  Recently I have noticed him being very short fused and argumentative.  The slightest thing sets him off as if he had been personally attack.  I have also noticed depression setting in.  I'm assuming this is all part of the treatment and diagnosis.  I need help - he refuses to see a therapist, I'm not allowed to join him at his oncology appointments, and because he has refused to sign a release of medical information, the care staff can only listen to my observations and concerns.  My husband also refuses to talk about the cancer, period. I need help.

[n40066]

i'm so very sorry you and your husband are going thru this!  unfortunately, there is very little you can do, thanks to all the hippa laws.  but there is nothing to stop you from making your own appt. with his dr and expressing your concerns.  while he will not be able to talk to you directly about your husband, he CAN listen to what's going on.  it will most likely cause problems for you if your husband finds out you went behind his back, but his dr. needs to know what's really going on.  is there a chance that the treatment has not been successful and that he still has cancer?  maybe he is trying, in his own way, to fight the battle on his own and thinks he is sparing you the pain?  it could be many things....it's a really tough situation that you're in and my heart aches for you.  i wish i could offer you something more profound, but i can't.  i just know what i would do...don't know if that's good advice or bad....only what i would do.  please keep in touch and let me know how you both make out.  i'll add you both to my prayers.
elizabeth

[Dr Sharma]

Welcome to the medhelp neurology forum. Thanks for writing in. I empathise with  you for what your husband is going though. Gliobastoma multiforme is the most common and most malignant of the glial tumors. Changes in personality, mood, mental capacity, and concentration may be observed along with the other symptoms of a brain tumor. Also the disease, its treatment must have been so very taxing for him, for depression to set in. He needs the help of a psychiatrist apart from the oncosurgeons whom he is already following up with. Things will definitely improve with medical help and medications focused on the symptoms. Hope this helps you. Please write back for any further clarifications.