Just found this board

[marions]

Jan…wonderful to hear about your Dad’s positive response to the antibiotics. So glad that you were able to find a nursing home where he can be cared for in a kind and caring manner. You are such a wonderful support for your Dad.
Hopefully, you will be able to share many wonderful moments with your Dad.
Thinking of you and sending hugs your way.
Marion

[jan]

Thanks for all the incredible words of kindness. If it weren’t for this horrible disease, Dad would be a very young 85-year-old. He has always been so active and to see him like this is painful. He has pretty much reached the end of any treatment which could be of any benefit. The good news is that the pneumonia is cleared up, and he’ll be discharged to a nursing home in a couple days if all goes well. I spent the day shopping for a facility that will take good care of him and give him the comfort and support he needs.

[gavin]

Hi Jan,

Welcome to the site. I’m new here as well, I only joined last week and have had the most amazing support from everyone here. I’m sorry to hear about your dad. My dad was recently diagnosed with non-operable CC and has undergone PDT therapy. I can relate to what you say about being mentally drained, both my mum and I feel like this. My dad spent nearly a month in hospital, came out for 10 days then went in for another 3 weeks.

This is such a tough situation for everyone affected by this horrific disease to deal with. I wish you and your dad all the very best.

Gavin

I wish you

[lainy]

Hello Jan, and unfortunately welcome! As a Caretaker, I can only suggest a couple of “releases” as you really need to let go a little and perhaps it will help the numbness, although I do think there are times we go numb so that we can handle all that we need to do. I get in the car and when going somewhere I let out a few screams. Loud ones. I also play loud, lively music I from Mama Mia!
I sing out loud and it feels good. One last thing is I force myself to go on a girl’s night out and once out with my friends I do feel a little better. Who would have thought that me, afraid of pulling out my kid’s slivers when they were little, would be changing bile duct bags and wound covers!!! Keep your posts coming as it is a good outlet here and our thoughts are with you and your family!

[cherbourg]

Jan…….I understand what you mean by being mentally drained. These days I can’t decide if I’m having a blonde moment or a senior moment. It’s so hard to watch the progression of this disease. Your emotions are always so close to the surface. I was driving home from another city the other night and had to stop at a traffic /driver’s license check point. When I stopped the car and handed my license to the officer he smiled and said…”Ma’m this is your debit card, are you trying to bribe me? As I tried to free my license from the window in my billfold with no success I told him I was coming home from taking care of my mom with cancer. He smiled and told me to carry on. He said he was sure my license was fine. I was laughing and crying all at the same time. I’m sure your emotions are as raw as mine.

[jeffg]

Hi Jan, Sorry to hear about your Dad. Has he been able to manage his pain okay? It seems like this disease just doesn’t want to stop for nothing. Your Dad’s progression sounds similar to mine, except I am still getting about and have no need for oxygen yet. Maybe hospice and a break from treatment is what he needs. I’ve taking several breaks, to allow my own immune system to build back to half way normal. Sometimes continuous aggressive treatments takes to much out of you to quickly. I wish we could welcome you to the site on a more positive note, but welcome anyway; and if there is any questions or concerns on your mine, please feel free to ask. We are quite forth right and tell it like it is. Jan have you been to any caregiver/patient support group meetings? They can be very supportive for you at a time like this. My wife and daughther started attending a few weeks ago and it has made a significant differennce for them emotionally. Jan any time you want to vent ,just go for it, as we all here understand completely and are here to support you the best we can. Ideas and suggestions will flow your way, just take them in slowly and one at a time.

God Bless you and Your Dad,
Jeff G

[marions]

Jan…so sorry to hear about your Dad. Even though your Dad have five years before reoccurence this cancer is never wanted back in anyone’s life. I am glad for you to have found us where members share their thoughts and experiences, give advice and support each other through the knowledge gained. In addition to others responding to your post you might want to read up on previous postings where mets to lungs and spleen are discussed. When you are up to it and feel like doing so simply, click on the “Search Forum” on the top bar and enter “spleen” or “lungs”. So glad to hear that your Dad’s appetite is strong and hopefully, the antibiotics kick in soon. Has your physician discussed the possibility of radiation to the spleen and if that could be an option?
Marion

[darla]

Hi Jan,

Glad you found this site. There are a lot of good people here & all are willing to give you all the help & support you want or need. This terrible disease affects not only the person who has had the bad luck of being stricken with it but also the family caregivers who have to be strong while watching what it is doing to their loved one. You & your father are in my thoughts & prayers.

Darla

[jan]

I wish I had found this a long time ago. My dad was diagnosed five years ago with CC. It’s been a long time, and I can’t remember all the specifics, but he was hospitalized, had a surgical re-section and radiation, and made a full recovery. Now, five years later, in January of this year, the cancer returned and mets to the liver and spleen. He underwent several rounds of chemo which did slow the growth, and actually shrank some of the lesions and nodules, but he also became weaker and weaker in the process. Several blood transfusions later, he developed pneumonia and landed in the hospital. He has deteriorated to the point where he has no strength, has developed fluid in the lungs and limbs, can hardly speak, and is mentally confused. He is on antibiotics for the pneumonia and oxygen for the breathing. He still has a good appetite, but it’s sad to watch him fumble with the eating utensils. Today, we had a long talk with his doctor and talked about ceasing any aggressive treatment in favor of hospice. We are sad and numb, and I just wanted to share this, as I am mentally drained.

[Author]

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