pamela

Ok Percy. Here goes. The first is mine. The second is Lauren’s.

Understanding The Condition

1. I give it a 3 because I don’t understand the meaning of clinical manifestation. I think a simpler term should be used.

2. 5 because you list examples, which helps.

3. 3 because again, I don’t understand the term clinical manifestation and would need further explanation.

4. 3 because I think an example like in question 2 would be helpful.

Assessment Of Treatment Options

5. 3 because I think it should say “your” disease instead of “the” disease.

6. 3 because I don’t like nor understand the term clinical manifestation and I’m not sure if you are asking about the patient or in general.

7. 2 because I don’t understand what therapies you are talking about and what other aspects you mean. Would need examples. Sorry, I don’t understand the question.

8. 0 because I don’t understand what the question is asking of me.

9. 0 because I don’t understand the question at all.

I will go and ask Lauren now. I will put her answers in a separate post.

-Pam

Thanks for all you do, Percy. You are the best.

Hi 8800jak,
I wanted to welcome you to this site. I am sorry to hear about your sister. My daughter, age 26, has CC as well. While I don’t know about the cancer center your sister is being treated at, I do know about our experiences with Gem/Cis. My daughter was on that for her first chemo along with another chemo called 5-FU. She tolerated all the chemos well. Cisplatin was the hardest on her. Platelet levels tend to dip when on it and they need to be 100,000 or more to receive it. She felt pretty crummy the first few days after chemo then came back around. Make sure they give your sister iv nausea meds before chemo. Lauren always gets a drug called Aloxi, but there are others. Also make sure she has nausea meds for home. We have found Compazine to work the best for Lauren, but many people also use Zofran. Zofran gives Lauren bad headaches. Lauren also lost her hair on this chemo combo, but it has since grown back. She has just been put back on Gemzar so she might lose it again, but if that’s the worst of her worries we’ll take it! Lauren had the best results with that chemo combination, but sadly cancer becomes smart and resistant and another chemo must be tried after time. I am hoping everything goes well for your sister. Please keep us updated. All the best to you both.
Love, -Pam

Hi mtwebster,

I am very happy you found us, but sorry you had to. This site is so wonderful in providing information and support. My daughter was diagnosed with CC in Aug. 2011. Has your husband been on Gem/Cis this whole time? If not, what else has he been on? I am also concerned about his pain. He needs to consistently take his pain meds to see results. My daughter takes a long acting morphine in the morning and one in the evening. She has fast acting morphine to take for breakthrough pain during the day. She also had shoulder pain, but not anymore. Her doctor said it was from an irritated phrenic nerve. How often does your husband have scans? I do think a 2nd opinion at a cancer center that is very knowledgeable in CC would be a good idea. As for your sadness, I know first hand how that goes. I got so I was crying so much that I went to my family doctor and he prescribed antidepressants. It was too hard for me to deal with on my own. It was trial and error for a bit, but I finally feel better and don’t cry very often. Just letting you know there are options for you as well. Talking to someone about things might help too. It is just so very stressful and with all those boys to take care of too!! Wow! Please come back and ask questions, rant rave, and vent if you like. We are all here to help. I am hoping your husband can find a way to ease his pain and you can feel better as well. Take care and all the best.
Love and hugs, -Pam

Hang in there, lovedad. We are all here to offer support and hugs. I am sorry this has been so difficult for you and your family. Hopefully, a plan will be under way soon.

I am praying for a great outcome, Kris!

I am very sorry to hear all of this, Rena. I cannot add any advice because I have not been through any of this, but I just wanted to tell you that I am thinking of all of you and I do care. Please keep us informed as to what is going on. My prayers are with you.

Love, -Pam