My Mum, 49yo in Australia
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Well everyone, I have some exciting new news! The final scan post-chemo showed my mothers tumor has shrunk enough for surgery!!! We will be seeing the HPB surgeon on Tuesday and he will discuss what the surgery will involve, as her tumor is still very large it is going to be a major surgery, and then we will also know when she will have it, but it will likely be in a couple of weeks. I should also note that the scan showed no development of any new spots. The ONC also mentioned it’s likely she may have chemo post-surgery, likely Gemcitabine, but that will be decided after surgery.
Happy new year everyone!
Tiah, sorry to read about your Mum’s struggles over the last month – bladder infections and constipation are no laughing matter, and it’s hard that she’s had to endure so much, especially over the Christmas period! I hope her doctors have somehow managed to get this under control for her. It’s awesome news though that she’s had such a great response to treatment! I feel for you, when you talk about your nerves over the surgery – it must be overwhelming to come this far and have yet another huge hurdle to overcome. Your mum HAS come this far though and sounds like a real fighter, and with your continued support will be in the best position to face what is necessary to try and survive this awful disease. I will be thinking of your mum on the 6th, and praying for a good outcome from her visit.
I can understand your reluctance to move away from your mum at this time. When my mum was diagnosed, I was living 2 1/2 hours away, and couldn’t move fast enough to be with her! (and I’m very lucky I was in a position to do so) It’s so typical of our loving parents to put us before them, and your mum’s thinking of your needs first is such a sign of strength and love. Texts and phone calls will keep you connected (though they can’t take the place of being there, I know) Take comfort in the fact that you are doing what she wants you to do, and will be really happy to see you making the most of your career opportunities
At least you are close enough to be able to get back to her of a weekend and she will have that blessing to look forward to all week!Good luck with your move! Looking forward to your next update, and hopefully more good news
Sandie xx
Hey all,
Thought I would post an update. Hope you all had a great Christmas!
Mum has just finished her 8th round of FOLFIRINOX, however the last month has been a stressful route. We’ve had continuous issues with bladder infections, no hospitalizations but lots of pain and antibiotics. Apparently there is also candida present in her urine sample (not surprising with the amount of antibiotics she’s had) and the past few days more abdominal pain, which I’m putting down to constipation. She’s lost quite a lot of hair, however now that she’s finished 8 rounds hopefully it will start growing back.
On the 6th of January she’s due to have another CT – abdominal, chest etc to see further progress. Her lungs were clear last scan (4 rounds/8weeks prior) and the tumor had a 1cm shrinkage from a whopping 8cm tumor so we were very pleased with the progress. I will let you all know about the results of the scans and if the surgeon is happy to progress with surgery.
I’m very nervous about the surgery as I’ve read odds are not good and a large amount of the liver will be removed due to the tumor size. Also sadly, I have to move 2 hours away from her in a weeks time for work (which is a fantastic career opportunity and she told me she’d be devastated if I don’t go), but I am nervous about leaving her, but I will travel back every weekend to be with her. I’m hoping she can keep her spirits up because she’s struggling a lot recently.
Tiah
Tiah, FABULOUS! You made my day as I am sure yours was made over 10X over! YEA! YIPPEE! HURRAH! I am so excited for you and your family! On the road to surgery….our favorite word!!!!!
Thanks so much for all your well wishes everyone! We have some great news! There is shrinkage!!! The tumor is starting to distance itself from the main artery in the liver and it’s starting to break down! Also no metastasis/spreading. We had many happy tears just now. The ONC and surgeon have agreed on 4 more rounds (so it’ll be 8 in total) then surgery! Woohoo! Today is round 5 of chemo.
Thanks for your well wishes everyone! Very appreciated
Fingers are crossed for your mum tomorrow Tiah and I so hope that you both get some good news about everything. Please let us know how it all goes.
My best to you and your mum,
Gavin
tia….cisplatin is very taxing on the kidneys…think that oxiliplatin is as well, but to a much lesser extent. Tumor shrinkage can cause pain radiating to the back.
Stay strong, try to relax and hopefully your Mom will do the same.
Tell her that many people are rooting for good news coming her way.
Hugs,
MarionTiah, kind of figured that. Everything seems to radiate to other places. I remember when Teddy had radiation to ring down his 2nd occurrence of a tumor to be able to have Cyber Knife he had lower back pain and a rash from the radiation. It was weird as the radiation was given to the front.
Very happy that Mum will maybe feel better now and Monday is only 2 days away!Thanks girls! After I took a look at her back and found out more about her symptoms of the back pain and in my knowledge as a pharmacist it appears to be flank pain (pain originating from the kidneys). Some reading of her drugs and I’ve noticed Oxaliplatin can be associated with this (maybe cisplatin too?). If this is the case, it’s chemotherapy related rather than cancer which I reassured her and she felt a bit better, but we’ll discuss the pain with her onc on Monday
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