cherbourg
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Tom,
Take care. You will be in my prayers today. In fact I just finished praying that all will be well for you today.
I believe strongly in second opinions and think you are being very proactive in taking this step.
Hang in there!
Hugs to you!
PamRalf,
This monster of a disease seems to affect people differently.
I know you will have many more responses to your questions, but for now try entering your query in the SEARCH FORUM at the top of the page.
This will bring up pertinent posts on the subject.
My heart goes out to you and I’m glad you’ve found our site. There is much, much love and help available here.
Hugs to you and Fiona,
Pam
You guys are the best!
I got to work this morning and fired an email off to Mom’s regular physician thanking him for all of his care and then came to this site to see all of the above wonderful remarks.
I think I’ll spend the rest of the day deciding exactly what kind of sandwich I intend to be…..*grin*
Thanks so much for the needed support!
Hugs and love to all!
Pam
Cathy D,
Hang in there. I know you must feel as if you were on a rollercoaster.
Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Don’t give up hope. We’re glad you found us and we are all here for you.
Hugs to you,
Pam
Tom,
My heart breaks for you. You are so young to have to deal with this monster of a disease.
Your family will be a great source of help for you. Be sure that they get all of the facts – believe me it’s better to know and prepare than to be “blind-sided” by the unexpected or unknown. That said only God knows the path and timing of our lives.
I take great comfort in what my son told me when my Mom was diagnosed. (He will be 28 on Monday) I use his words in my signature line and I believe they are a wonderful way to combat living with this disease.
Always feel free to come here and vent. We are always here for you and your family.
I will be praying for you and your family.
Hugs to all of you,
Pam
Ashlea,
I can’t believe how poised you are at the age of just 23. Your Dad is so fortunate to have such a great daughter.
I know you are struggling with a lot of “what ifs” right now. I would strongly suggest you schedule a meeting with his surgeon and other physicians and voice your concerns. Or speak with his nurses. They enter concerns and opinions of family into the medical record nursing notes. (And doctors DO read these).
Do you have your Dad’s medical power of attorney? If so, that would allow you to actively communicate on his behalf. The HIPPA rules that governs hospitals sometimes make it hard to intervene without the health care power of attorney.
That said, the doctors NEED an accurate history about your Dad in order to do the best for him. Although as Mary said above, ultimately it is your Dad’s decision.
Hang in there and know we are always here for you!
Hugs!
PamLisa,
Hang in there. My mom (77) had 5 rounds of oxyplatin and gemcitibine. She did remarkably well with the only side effect being the cold neuropathy. That usually only lasted about 2 days after the treatment. She did not have any nausea.
I hope you do as well as she did!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Hugs!
Pam
HopeandGrace,
I can’t tell you how moved I was when I read your post today. I was feeling sorta of lost and down this morning. I asked God for some peace of mind and then I logged in and saw your post.
You will never fully know how you have touched me today. Your post was an affirmation that there is a silver lining in this monster of a disease. I also believe that I will be with and see my Mom after she completes her journey on this earth.
You’ve said what I fervently believe so beautifully. I wish you love and joy and comfort in the coming days with your Mom and family.
Again, thank you,
Hugs,
Pamdaleymom,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I can understand your mom’s feelings of being overwhelmed.
It’s very hard for lots of people to ask for help. For some it’s an indication that maybe “I’m no longer in control”, and that can be a scary thing.
Plus she’s entered the equivilent of the “Twilight Zone” by taking on the Medical field. There’s a new language to learn, unfamiliar territory to visit and new and unusual people and relationships to figure out. All of this while trying to maintain life as it used to be. It’s enough to make you want to go back to bed and pull the covers over your head!!!!!
You are doing all of the right things in being there and being supportive. Encourage her and yourself to take time for you the individual. Remember you have to take care of the caregivers first!
I also recommend the 5 minute rule when things really get hectic and frustrating ……Do 5 minutes, then do the next 5 minutes….*Grin*
All of us here are only a keystroke away!
Hugs to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam
Megan,
I agree with Jeff. My Mom has lung mets and has had some issues with fluid. She had some fluid build up around her heart that we had to addresss with a procedure called a pericardial window. She has also been prescribed Lasix which helped with the fluid in her legs and ankles. They both seemed to do the trick.
The restlessness can be anxiety or depression. If she is not sleeping well then a doctor may be able to offer some help with that as well. I would suggest maybe contacting the medical social worker or mental health staff for their input as well. There is a great deal of palliative care that can help your mom.
I would also be concerned about the fevers. She may have an infection somewhere. Is there someone who could check on her frequently and then get back to you? That would certainly help you.
Know that you and your Mom and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs.
PamAsher,
You are young in age but mature in love and compassion. Sometimes the hardest thing is to let go and let God. You have done and given your Dad the most wonderful gift of acceptance. I know it’s hard to do but spend this remaining time by being supportive of your Dad and respect his wishes. You are a remarkable legacy that he will leave behind.
One resource I would suggest is to call or google your local hospice facility. They have some wonderful things to read online or you could pick up pamphets on palliative care. The most important thing is that he be kept as pain free and comfortable as possible.
Take good care of yourself and be kind to yourself. I know how hard it is to be far away. Keep in touch with your Dad as much as possible. He knows how very much you love him.
Consider yourself hugged tightly!
I’ll keep you and your Dad and family in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam
Amy,
In the words of Carl Sandburg:
“A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.”
Carl Sandburg
US biographer & poet (1878 – 1967)We will anxiously await the happy news!!
Pam
My mom is on Megace and it has worked like a miracle drug in her case. She eats everything and has kept her weight up like it should be.
Pam
Sucessful practices ARE NOT run this way. Yes there are times that waits are inevitable but NOT on a routinue basis.
Always go with your gut feelings. Remember when all is said and done you are paying for a service and deserve to get he best.
I’m also in the medical field and live in NC. My mom has CC and believe me I have no problem with demanding the best care for her. (Being in the South, I usually prefer the “iron fist in the velvet glove” approach) but that said ALWAYS SPEAK UP. If you want to take it further, most offices and hospitals give out “satisfaction” forms requesting information on how you were treated, wait times and staff performance.
You don’t have to be ugly but you deserve the best. It’s stressful enough dealing with this illness without having to put up with unnecessary waiting.
Go get em!
Take care and hugs to you!
Tawanda!!!!
Pam
Teresa,
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley’s death but so glad she had you with her. You are an incredible woman and Shirley was so fortunate to have such a loving and caring sister with her through her journey.
I know you are probably drained, tired and weary right now. Concentrate on taking care of youself and try and focus on the wonderful memories you have of your sister.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Pam
