rena

It’s been challenging evening! Ironically dad had a really bad episode of rigors/shaking this evening. My mom called me and she was crying and saying that dad was shaking really bad and it had been going on for about 20 minutes. Somewhere in the middle he threw up. The blessing was that an hour before she called, I literally had just read all of your posts on this very subject (thank you). I was able to calm mom down and share with her what you all have shared with me. She immediately calmed down once she realized this can sometimes happen. Of course it scared my dad too. Mom warmed up blankets in the dryer and sat and held him until the shaking stopped. Thank you Marion’s for this idea! It really helped! I told mom to take his temperature once his shakes stopped and he did not have a fever. He didn’t feel we’ll yesterday at all and mom said that he was very quite all day. I hope nothing more is brewing!!!

Lainy..my husband and I both travel to the Milwaukee area often for our work. I love the areas along the lake!

Darla..you are really close!

Gavin…I agree with you in that I too told my dad that I will support him in
whatever decision he makes about the chemo. My mother over heard him tell his mother today that, “when God decides it is his time to go…he will not have control over it”. While that is hard to hear, it brings a certain peace at the same time even though I am still struggling with the whole concept that this awful disease may steal him from us.

You guys really helped us with our scare today! I know that this is more than likely the beginning of this roller coaster ride…unfortunately!

Rena

Hi Lainy! So glad that I did think to have dad take a list of what what all he is taking ( turmeric, hemp seed etc) to his Dr. appts the other day and all was fine. The hardest part for me is that Dad does not want to know how much time he has. My mom says she is okay too not knowing. I have to admit that it is making me a little crazy. I know that his cancer is aggressive. One question I do have is this….Is inoperable cancer that involves the portal vein, blood vessels and main arteries always considered stage 4 cancer???

I did have mom make an appt with her Dr a few days ago and she is now on an anti-depressant. It of course has not totally kicked in yet, but I am hoping that it will help calm her nerves. My dad really needs her right now!

Dad can not seem to get warm at least a couple times a week. Has anyone experienced this? Even with several layers on and a warm blanket he is still complaining he is cold. Dad has never complained of being cold prior to the cancer.

Thanks so much for all of your responses!
Rena

Thanks to everyone who posted! You guys are so great! Dad has gotten a second and third opinion. My parents live in Central Ohio and are traveling to the James Cancer Center in Columbus Ohio for Dad’s care. So far his Dr. Has been great and he is receiving excellent care. They are about an hour and a half from Columbus which is not too bad for travel.

My mom is still struggling with it all and has a really rough week. I am so worried about her. Dad is still contemplating about whether to start chemo or not. I do understand that it is a great deal to process and make that decision. They met again with the oncology Dr this week for a consultation. I will be supportive in whatever decision he makes. My brother on the other hand is completely against chemo and would like him to try the herbal supplement route….which is began three weeks ago. It has for sure been an education!

My heart feels so heavy and my head is spinning. I can not imagine how my mom is feeling right now! I keep telling myself…one day at a time!