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Thank you Lainey. I appreciate your kind words.
I also just realized that I goofed. It was in April 4th. I’m sleep-deprived I guess. This has been a very hard week.Pam,
Praying for Lauren and your family tomorrow. I’m confiident she will do great and get the best result, then this all can be a distant memory and she can get on with her happily ever after.
DianneOrly,
I’m so sorry you are having such a hard time with your family at a time you need them most. I thought European countries had systems in place that prevented families from being saddled with huge medical bills unlike here in the US. Is it possible they’re not being honest about this? I’d look into that. Anyway, hope you get some peace soon, maybe another grief support group that suits your schedule better? Glad you’re getting support here in the meantime, but I believe that as much as you may not want to, it’s important to get out among other people especially those who can relate to your sorrow. God bless.
DianneDarla,
I used FMLA immediately after my husband’s diagnosis for about 4 weeks for Dr. appointments, chemo, crying etc. then I had 8 weeks left for intermittent leave for the same as above. I think your signature indicates only that you understand what your employers obligation is under federal law. They can let you go after 12 weeks but they don’t have to. It’s nice they haven’t counted your time off so far in the 12 weeks, but now you’ll be off for an extended period (hopefully just 8weeks or so) and I guess they have to start counting it. They’re just complying with the law I guess. Don’t stress about it. You’re one of the lucky ones!
DianneDarla,
Congratulations on your fantastic news! As far as disability goes, apply for it online on the Social Security website. You’ll get approved and pretty quickly too. The payments start 6 months after diagnosis. Not sure if you actually had to stop working at that point or not. Also, how about LTD at work? That too starts at 6 months. God bless you and may He guide Dr. Kato’s hands to heal you.
DianneHi Annie,
My husband has this awful cancer too. He’s on Oxaliplatin/5FU combo every 2 weeks. His labs are always fine and chemo proceeds. He seems to be tolerating it well. Your brother may need a change in chemo. Also, he’s had ascites since September and is now having paracentesis every week for 5-6 liters each time. So I would say that ascites does not indicate that the end is near.
Hope all goes well on Weds. Stay strong.
DianneHi Dinawest,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s pain. My husband seems to be in the same boat with the exception of the constipation, which he does not have a problem with. He has been having 5-6 liters of fluid aspirated from his abdomen (paracentesis) every week for about 6 weeks now and it does help. The doctors don’t recommend a drain placement due to infection concerns. Eating is always a challenge, but he’s not lost too much weight at this point. I hope the doctors can give your Mom some relief soon and get her back to her home.
DianneWhat a great early Christmas present for your family! I’m very happy for you. Hopefully 2013 will bring the perfect combo of chemo and it will be on the shrinkage course to oblivion. Congratulations!
DianneWell, it seems that the nausea and vomiting has eased off. He’ll be seeing the Dr. next week before chemo so we can talk to him then about switching out compazine for the reglan. Thanks for all your suggestions.
DianneThanks Ashley. I think we will start cutting back on the Reglan and see what happens. Maybe too many drugs in the mix, they will interact with each other and not usually in a good way.
DianneThank you for that suggestion. Will ask oncologist about adding that med. I have no idea how I would go about getting marijuana here which I’m sure you know is illegal in this state (PA). It’s all just so ridiculous. I’ll bet that within 10 years, it will no longer be an issue in ANY state. Nor should it be. Alcohol’s more dangerous.
DianneThanks for your responses. I think we’re getting a bit of a handle on it. The oncologist told him to increase dose of Zofran. He had a dose of Oxali/5FU this week and ironically, he’s vomiting less than usual. Could be those IV anti-emetics they give prior to chemo. I figure it must be the disease that’s causing it. It sure is a bad actor
Thanks so much for your replies. Moving has been very good for us. Has done wonders for his attitude. I don’t know about pursuing any surgical option. Neither of us is very sold on that. Maybe if the next scan shows big improvement it might make us rethink it. Will have to see what UPMC oncologist has to say on Friday.
DianneOh my gosh! That is WONDERFUL news! Congratulations. That just goes to show that one should never give up hope. I’m so glad to have read this, it makes my day. So happy for your family!
Dianne
