stan
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Thanks everyone for your information and advice. Seven treatments in and so far fatigue and some loss of appetite are the only problems. I have been on pain meds and acid reflex meds for some time so no new issues there. If I end up having to use some sort of cream for my hands and feet, my wife will crack up. She is always trying to moisturize my “elephant” elbows and I resist that stuff.
Stan
I just finished my fourth round of gem/cis on Wednesday and was even Able to go away for the weekend. I struggle with going neutropenic and getting fevers and ending up in the hospital as I did for the first two rounds but maybe that extra week off they made me take did the trick. It’s a strange world when you get angry cause you can’t get chemo when scheduled.
I hope your chemo goes smoothly and successful.I have round four of chemo on Wednesday. The first two resulted in two plus weeks combined in hospital due to complications. The third round was just gemzar and then a week off so I feel almost normal. Going to go away this weekend, wouldn’t dare if not married to a doctor who can run all sorts of good stuff through my port. Family, church and friends are a Godsend.
I’m sorry dr. Chung did not work out for you. I tried to tell him last week I deserved a finder’s fee for advising you as to how good he is. FYI, I saw dr toshiba at Henry ford in Detroit prior to my surgery to see if I was a candidate for a liver transplant. I wasn’t. Mayo clinic would consider me after three years if I am cancer free.
I hope you have success in finding the care you want for your dad in Boston. There certainly are lots of quality choices there.As many have already said, I would call your father’s doctor and describe what is going on. He may very well send you to the ER or hospital for more testing.
That gives the doctors the best chance to do what needs to be done to keep the May 14 surgery date.
I am glad that you were impressed with dr Chung; I have had 8 surgeries and he is the best surgeon I have been involved with. I will be praying for your father and your family on the 14th.My first round of chemo didnt go so well. Went into the hospital with 103 fever. Found out I was big time neutropenic, had a small abscess near the liver and my kidney function was getting worst daily. Consequently I am still in the hospital. I had a drain put in to drain the abscess and they found the appropriate antibiotic. I am no longer neutropenic and my kidney function is too the point that we will try chemo again tomorrow while keeping me in the hospital for an extra day or so. They are replacing cisplatin with carboplatin. Hopefully, I can get back on schedule.
I live in Grand Rapids and just had half of my liver removed by dr. Chung. I found him to be a fantastic surgeon who took the time to explain as well as listen to my questions. I recovered very nicely from the surgery and am currently doing chemo. My wife is a doctor, not a surgeon, and tells me we are fortunate to have dr Chung in Grand Rapids. I would use him again in a heartbeat.
Glad to hear that the chemo is working for you. I started mine last week Thursday. Unfortunately, I went into the hospital Monday night with a high fever and chills. A ct scan showed an abscess by my liver so I have a drain and am receiving IV antibiotics. Also my white cell count bottomed out. No chemo this week, hopefully they can adjust the dose and I can start up chemo again next week. I like to think that this means I respond well to this chemo.
Again, welcome to the group and I am glad treatment is working for you.One thing cancer is good at is helping one focus on living day by day and enjoying the little things. I too believe strongly in not letting this disease define my life. I am glad to hear that you are doing well and believe you will find this site very helpful and encouraging.
My primary care physician’s nurse refers to me as “timex” cause I take a licking and keep on ticking. Actually, I have been blessed with great support from my family, friends and church. No one gets through a major illness without a great support system and I know I am blessed to have so many people praying for me.
My wife will be gathering info on the clinical study and whether I’m accepted as a candidate for it or not I will gladly share the info on the study on the board.
I am being treated home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am blessed to be married to a doctor which has its perks. Working with my oncologist as well as my surgeon she was able to expedite second opinions from mayo, Henry ford in Detroit and university of Michigan where my Whipple was performed.
I had a port for 6 months in 2010 before I convinced them I didn’t need it anymore. I had one installed again during one of my liver biopsies in anticipation of starting chemo again. If I had known I would be doing chemo again I would have kept it as it wasn’t a bother at all other than having to get periodic flushes when not actively using it. If you have to make a trip to the emergency room having a port is handy as there are no issues of multiple pokes to get an IV in.
Stan
