still hanging on

markl007us · Regular Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 19

Well, its been a while since I have been on here and I see a lot of new folks unfortunately. It still means this terrible disease is ruining lives across the world.

My wife is just passed 8 months of her pancreatic cancer. We made the decision to take her off of all chemo and medication besides pain medication. We had figured out that wee were fighting the side effects of the medicine and not the disease.

Our doctor told us if we were gaining on it he would suggest staying with the treatment but in her case we were not. He said we should try to get her some quality of life in her last days. She is in better humor now, she can actually comprehend a conversation and occassionally get up and out of the house.

She is very tired and is ready to meet God. She has two milestone that we are shooting for. First is our 20 year old daughter's wedding on this Friday, April 27. The second is our youngest son's 9th birthday. She feels that she has to make it until his 9th birthday before she can leave us. It is all really so sad. All six of our children as well as family and friends are deeply saddened by this entire ordeal.

To top it all off, she lost her mom in January and then my brother passed away suddenly in February. What a year.

Please kjeep us in your prayers and we will do the same. We admit we dont have all the names of each of you but God certainly knows who we are talking about and will definitely intervene as he sees fit.

I will keep you posted and God Bless you all.

Mark

reenie · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: still hanging on

HiMark

It was good to have an update from you. I have been afraid to ask how things were going.

I hope ALL of your family is able to enjoy your daughter's wedding day. You didn't mention when your youngest son turns nine, is it far off? I know she will stay if she can. Sam died in the wee hours of the morning after my birthday-as an adult I can look at the facts, but still, I like to think he waited. I can not imagine how painful that would be for a little boy.

Now that the Dr. has stopped all treatment, have you enlisted the help of hospice? I remember Sam being hesitant at first because it seemed as if there was no hope. Once we started with Hospice, we changed what we hoped for. Sure, we still wanted the miracle, but we were able to focus on the best last days we could get. Hospice in home care helped to give us that.

Many people think hospice means everything is done for you- that is not the case. They certainly are not with you all the time- not even everyday until that becomes necessary. For us, supplies and medications were delivered almost before we knew we needed them. I never had to worry that I would run out of pain medication in the middle of the night. For pain, we used a pump with a bolus so that if ever he felt the need, he could push a button for a little extra pain relief. The pump had a computer that kept track of how many times he needed the extra so that they could increase his regular dose if needed. Hospice even delivered box after box of batteries so the pump would always run. At one point, an aide thought a triangle over the hospital bed would help Sam move himself up in the bed. It was installed the next day; Sam didn't like the "contraption" as he called it so the next day they took it away- no questions asked.

Well, I hope the next few days are enjoyable and peacful for you and yours. You have, and will remain in my family's prayers.

Reenie

kmeshelper · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:39 pm Post subject: Hospice is invaluable

Dear Mark,
Your post really touched us. Kathleen has had the unbelievable support of Hospice both here and in Chicago. We would not be together today if not for them.
We, too, are at a decision point regarding treatment. The gemzar/tarceva is no longer keeping the CN19-9 down, but we are thinking of joining a Sutent study - if they'll have her.
Having a loving, positive family and Hospice support can added many more quality days for you and your loved one. Hospice can also help lift you and the kids when end does come.
Our prayers are with you.
_________________
stage 4 unresectible pancreatic diagnosed
2/23/06 at age 44
Gemzar/Tarceva til 4/24/07

Big Sister · Experienced user Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 67

Hello, Mark -- What's happening with you and yours? No news for a month and one month makes a difference with this bear.

Please know that we're with you in every way.

Sending hope and warm regards, Pat

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