Hello Out There

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Hello Out There
24
Sat, 07-22-2006 - 4:52pm

It's been a while since anyone has given an update or posted with a problem or concern or just wanted to chat.  I hope this means that everyone is doing wonderfully but somehow the way the world turns I can't help but believe that all is not well everywhere. 


I've been having some tough days myself due to medication changes leaving me with difficulty thinking and putting words together into something that resembles intelligent conversation lol.  I hope some of you will post and update on whats happening in your life or with your loved one you care for.  I promise I will try to make sense as I respond :)

Judy


cl-ivhjude
Living with Cancer
Cancer: Friends & Family Support
Finding Your Best Life


"With understanding, fear diminishes;
in the absence of fear, hope emerges;
and in the presence of hope, anything is possible."

 






Judy

cl-ivhjude

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-2004
Sat, 07-22-2006 - 10:19pm

Hi Judy.

I hope you are feeling better...:)

I have not posted because it has been so hard for me. My Mom just finished radiation and she has started the Femara. The Dr still says no Chemo and obviously due to the mets already, no Mastectomy.

She is getting weaker every day. SHe can not walk at all. Not even a few steps now. She just started with the shakes--something new--which makes it impossible for her to walk even a few steps .

I think she is depressed too but she says she is just tired from the radiation. I am taking care of her 24/7 and I know that is hard for her. Less than a month ago she was driving and walking and taking care of herself. She walked into the hospital but has not walked since. sigh

These Docs here do not make it easy. They know that she cant walk---she has been going to radiation via an ambulance--and they keep wanting her to go to their office so they can see her. Her insurance will not pay for an ambulance for doctor visits.How am I supposed to get her there? They say it is not their problem. Nice huh?

She is always cold and clammy so the pain patches do not stick. Her doctor is waiting to consult with the other one about oral MS Contin. They had hoped that the radiation would at least prevent her spine from deteriorating any more but by judging her issues, I am not very hopeful.

She is also mad as heck knowing that the Breast ca went undetected for years despite all the mammo's and a sonogram. She has said that she is sad because if it was caught sooner, she may have had a better chance of fighting this. I just keep telling her to fight, have hope and do not let it win--at least for today.

I have 2 small children and they have always lived in the same house as my Mom. I hate that they have to see her like this. I am answering their questions the best I can, but I dont have all the answers.

I am so sorry that this is so long.

Prayers and hugs go out to all of you.....

noel52997
(Elena) :)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sun, 07-23-2006 - 3:32am

Elena, I am so sorry to hear about your moms deterioration.

Judy

cl-ivhjude

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-2004
Sun, 07-23-2006 - 12:24pm

Hi Judy.
I have definately considered Hospice. None of her Doctors mentioned it to us. I know that they are not God and can't walk on water but the 3 of them have been inconsistant in her
prognosis and approx time she has left. They tell her nothing but they tell me because I insisted. One Doc felt she was looking at months,one doc told me nothing imminent but definately within a year and the other doc made it sound like she would bury me. Good grief. Because of this inconsistancy,I do not know who to ask to sign her up for Hospice. I can not believe that it has not been mentioned to us yet.sigh My best friend works at a Hospice an hour or so away from me and she has been trying to help me see what needs to be done.

I do have some medical background, so when I see her, read her medical info etc. I know that it is not looking good. I think that I have acepted that part. i am not happy but I am trying to expect the worst and hope for better. My husband is in total denial. He adores my Mom too and he does not appear to be able to accept the inevitable.

I am just trying to live each day and not even think about tomm. While I am trying to be one way for my Mom, I am trying to keep my kids life as normal as possible and be a good wife. I cant do it all, so I am just doing what I humanly can.

Thanks for the prayers and hugs. I really need them now. :)

Elena

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 07-23-2006 - 4:31pm

I haven't been around much because we just returned from a 3 week trip visiting my mom, who has lymphoma. The good news is that she is in remission! Yea! The cancer was gone after only 4 chemo treatments. The tumor is still there, and they are hoping it will shrink some more. The doctor sounded very positive about mom's long-term chances. He said that cancers that respond so quickly to treatment usually take the longest to return.

Mom is still having some trouble mentally, but hopefully will be able to mend in the next 6 months or so.

I hope you are adjusting better to your meds!

Tamie

Feb 09 Siggy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 07-24-2006 - 12:55am

Hi Elena, as for a Hospice recommendation, if you feel that it would be beneficial for your mom you ask the doctor who gave the prognosis of months as that is what is needed to enter her into hospice.

Judy

cl-ivhjude

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 07-24-2006 - 1:02am

Tamie how wonderful to hear from you and welcome home.

Judy

cl-ivhjude

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 07-24-2006 - 2:43pm

Hi Judy


My update:

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2006
Mon, 07-24-2006 - 5:20pm

Hi Judy,
I am not able to get online that much. Work and my son keep me busy. Things are going okay with my mom. She just got out of the hospital with a high fever, UTI, and bacteria in her blood (I think she said Staph infection strains). She goes to MD Anderson for a workup this week to see if the Taxol is working or not. My son is asking a lot of questions though lately, I talk with him alot, but I'm not sure how he's handling this. Usually questions from him are: How did MawMaw get this? Does this mean you'll get it too? etc.

How are things going with you? Take Care
Cheryl

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 07-24-2006 - 7:39pm
Philly I am so glad that the mass was not cancer and that you are doing well.

Judy

cl-ivhjude

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 07-24-2006 - 7:47pm

Cheryl thanks for the update on your mom.

Judy

cl-ivhjude

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