kathyb
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Just my opinion, but if a doctor feels his toes are stepped on because you seek another opinion, I’d question his ego.
I think it’s amazing your husband can walk 1 or 2 miles a day considering his ongoing pain and that he has lost 80 pounds! I think I’m doing great but my energy level has gone down greatly.
Thank you, Harmony. I read your post to my husband (my caretaker), but had to have him read the last paragraphs because I was crying. You expressed how I felt in wonderful words.
Kathy
Dear Kevin,
Thank you for letting us know. My sincerest sympathy. I hope you will be able to find the peace Kristin found.
Kathy
I have the same attitude as Ben. Don’t want one unless/until I have to. The chemo nurse did make the comment that the veins in my one hand look like they have taken a beating, but she still got it in fine with one try. For now, it’s still don’t want one unless/until I have to. Some people do have trouble with them, and I just don’t want one yet.
My suggestion would be to give Ben all the information you have about the particular port that would be put in place, but let him made the decision.
Kathy
I do appreciate reading all the positive posts people write about them. Maybe preparing myself for a day that might come.
Thanks, Hans, for the update. As I was once the family caregiver I totally understand how there just isn’t time to do everything you think you need to do.
So glad Kris is making progress!
God bless you both.
Kathy
Pam,
I’m the patient, not the caregiver. I’m very fortunate to have an exceptional caregiver.
You may not realize it, and your dad may not be able to realize it right now, but you are an angel.
You’ve been handed a lot of “crap” in your life right now (just like your dad has). Vent whenever you need to.
Kathy
Steve,
I, too, remember your posts. I am so sorry. May you accept God’s comfort. He will be with you.
KathyRick,
I’m presently taking Gemzar/Cisplatin and have a post of my experiences with it plus helpful input from others.
My chemo experience Gezmar/Cisplatin by kathyb (I know Gezmar is the wrong spelling, but you can’t edit the titles.)
Kathy
My experience with my oncologist goes along with what you say, Marion. When my dosage of Gemzar was reduced and then we had to reduce the Cisplatin and I questioned the effectiveness of the treatment this way, he responded, “We just don’t know.”
Kathy
I, too, had my Gemzar/Cisplatin chemo today. Everything went fine. The Gemzar did not even sting going in. Still using the heating pad on my arm. Watched the move, “It’s Complicated”, while taking chemo. Makes time go a lot faster.
Theresa, unless it’s easier for you to go by yourself, I would try to have your husband or a friend go with you because you never know what might happen. It’s probably just me, but I always take an extra pair of underwear and my makeup bag with me. I use to go to chemo with my best friend who has non-hogkins lymphoma and she had an allergic reaction to chemo part way through that caused an overnight stay in the hospital. (By the way she was given 4-5 years and is now on year 10
) Then again, we drive 120 miles one way which does make a difference.Maybe you could take someone with you who could question this nurse more. With other people, I’ve sometimes taken the role as the trouble maker questioning health care professionals which lets the patient still be the nice guy and I’m the bad guy. Would you feel comfortable talking with your doctor about this? He’ll never know what’s happening with the nurse without patients telling him.
I saw my oncologist today and he said he felt comfortable if I wanted to not have a Neulasta shot the day after next week’s chemo. We made two big changes in doing the Neulasta shot and dropping Citsplatin for the second week chemo, so I’m going to try not taking the shot and see if my white blood count will stay up. Theresa described it perfectly when she said it felt like electric shocks.
I’m still struggling with gaining weight, even though my oncologist says it fine; he would rather have me gain weight than loose weight. I needed to loose some weight, not gain weight! The steroids seem to give me a desire to eat all the time. Plus, I think I have the mind set that food = life.
Kathy
Kristen,
Glad treatment #2 went good. Lunch sound delicious. It will be something to look forward to
Encouraging news from your onco!Are you taking any type of steroid as part of your premeds? I am and crash for a day or two every time. Very very tire, no motivation, blah attitude. It was day 3. Now it’s days 5 & 6.
Were your eyes blurry this time, or did it ever go away?
Hope you have a good week. It’s dark and will probably rain here. Good day to stay in bed.
Kathy
July 09 I was diagnosed stage 4 inoperable with 3-14 months to live, median time 12 months . Some members have “survived” years with no additional treatment. Some have not, with treatment. It look me a long time to decide if I wanted more chemo after last fall radiation and chemo because I felt so well and normal when I recovered. It can be a hard decision.
Point is, I wouldn’t take those statistics as fact. They are about the masses (with limited numbers) in past data, not the individual now.
isellure,
Just came across your post. As for being tired with no energy, that’s exactly how I was even after stent placement and jaundice gone. When first diagnosed there is a huge mental adjustment to go through. All those tests and doctors appointments take a toll on you, too. I do take more sleep now (even the months I’m not on chemo). I certainly do not have the energy I use to have. I’ve accepted that and still enjoy life – I just go to bed earlier.
Charlea,
When my wonderful insurance company approved my referral for an out-of-network facility that had experience with cc, I had the thought it wasn’t a very good business decision to do that considering the prognosis. Well, I’m over that. I understand your feelings, but I think the health insurance companies are just fine financially. They are not non-profit. The masses are paying in to help the “sick”, which is how it should be. Doctors are learning more and more because insurance companies are paying lots of money for procedures. (I’m not considering the medical fraud that happens). Much more needs to be learned about cc on the young and on the elderly; but you’re right, it should be a personal choice.
