Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by JustJo

Well....we are up and down over here.

Mom has started chemo again...the "modified" chemo she had high hopes for. Turns out it makes her just as sick...and she will still have to have it every 2 weeks....basically for as long as she can stand it.

Right now she is in the first couple days after the treatment....which means lots of sleeping, lots of depression, lots of anger and tears, lots of throwing up, and lots of conversations that are pretty rough on both of us about is it better to live a long time miserably or a short time feeling relatively normal?

Given the level of abdominal pain she has I think the "relatively normal" part is a moot point.

She has not gone back onto the morphine, but has had to up the number of Lortab she takes each day....and is still using the Fentanol (sp?) patches as well.

We have fixed the dehydration problem, which helps...and she is still eating better and managing to keep the weight up (after a brief issue when she got overly cocky and ate salad and pizza in the same day). Her goal is to hit 130 lbs so she can go off the TPN and get the Pict line out.

Evidently the issue, for her, is that she is literally freckled inside with punctate lesions all over the external tissue of the small intestine, liver and kidneys. These are cancer, but can stay "dormant" (for lack of a better term) indefinitely...perhaps longer with chemo although they can't tell us that for sure....or can become active and develop into tumors at any point.

The only procedure that is possible is called a "belly bath" or "belly wash"....and she is in no way strong enough to survive it. Even with the procedure....chances are it won't eliminate the problem. Her doctors don't recommend that she have it, at this point anyway, because she is more likely to die on the table than have it help her.

Right now....it's one day at a time....a little better now that she can eat and drink....but still very, very rough.

Jo, I can only imagine how terribly hard this time is for your Mom and you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[SweetJane]

JustJo,

I'm keeping you in prayer, too.

[Heavenleahangel]

I'm in the middle of my first round and so far, its not too bad. I'm waiting for the "bad" part, lol. I'm here alone (the one who *promised* me yesterday to be here for me today bailed out on me and I found out they weren't being truthful with me), but hey, I'm a fighter and will get over it. I can tough this out alone. I have others I can call/text and I know they will be here for me and all the support from my BFP peeps! Thank you so much!!!

[clay]

Originally Posted by Heavenleahangel

I'm in the middle of my first round and so far, its not too bad. I'm waiting for the "bad" part, lol. I'm here alone (the one who *promised* me yesterday to be here for me today bailed out on me and I found out they weren't being truthful with me), but hey, I'm a fighter and will get over it. I can tough this out alone. I have others I can call/text and I know they will be here for me and all the support from my BFP peeps! Thank you so much!!!

Heavenleahangel...I am so sorry about the one who bailed...and YES you do have others to lean on!!! Stay strong, stay strong & focused!!! What did they say about that ankle...is it broken??? Sending you big hugs and mega tons of white light and energy..from one who fought hard and won...as can you!!! Stay in touch..k...Clay

[Heavenleahangel]

I made it home and Im tucked into my loveseat all comfy. I don't feel as bad as I thought I would. I got some Comprasine (spelling) and Zofran for nausea. Have a good evening, everyone. Thanks again for the healing energies, prayers and positive thoughts. I see the dr at 9 AM tomorrow morning and then blood tests to check my kidney function.

[SweetJane]

Heavenleah,
Bless you, hun. Get all comfy. Got anyone to help you out there?

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by SweetJane

Heavenleah,
Bless you, hun. Get all comfy. Got anyone to help you out there?

Hey Heavenleah,

The American Cancer Society chapter in our area has volunteers that help with errand running, house stuff, etc. for folks undergoing chemo, radiation, etc.

I felt a little odd about it, since I'm able to take care of my Mom, but they assured me that they were still happy to help even though I'm her caregiver. I've opted not to use the volunteers' time so that they can use it to help folks who are alone and really need it.....but I recommend giving them a call, or checking out their website.

Sometimes, just having someone run to the store, or toss in a load of laundry, can be a real help.

Hugs,
Jo