Dad back home - stopped sutent but will hopefully start again in 2 weeks at lower dose

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29.9.11 - dad back at home.  Was told to stop taking sutent (2 days ago) because platelet count low and potassium low. They would like him to have a 2 week break and then will hopefully start back on sutent - prob at the lower dose 37mg (instead of 50mg).  His blood pressure and temperature stablised 2 days ago (but they haven't managed to pinpoint the source of the infection). 

Because of lack of dexterity in his arm/hand, he visited occupational therapists in hospital yesterday and they asked him to show them how he performs everyday tasks such as making cup of tea, getting in and out of bed etc.  They have given him a "handle" accessory which a knife can be pushed into to give a better grip of knife so that he can hopefully start using his right hand again.  They have also explained about visualisation techniques whereby he has to look at hand and give the instruction to his hand at the same time.  Hopefully he can re-train and get to keep his hand moving.  He's talking about an electrically rising chair and I've tried to encourage grab rails in various places.  But, for now, I'm so pleased he's looked for help himself with occupational therapists to try and help with little tasks and stop him struggling.  Absolutely no reason not to have anything that might be useful, but I guess must be hard admitting that you need the odd aid here and there - but great he's done it himself!

Feeling positive and happy that he's looking into helping himself.

Anonymous