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k2gyrator
New User
Joined: 08 Apr 2008
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject: Not knowing...what to do...confussed,scared,upset,angry |
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I'm new here. Sorry for the rambling and all the specifics. I just don't know how to most easily express my families stituation.
My mom is 66. She is in what would appear as good health. She did lose maybe 20 pounds since last X-Mass. She does Yoga regularly. Workd full time in accounting and takes full care of my dad who has a stroke.
In may 2007 my mom was diagnosised with Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma. She had a complete hystorectomy. Uterus,overies,lymph nodes..everything.
The results were good and they did not show any signs of spread.
When she was dignosised with this cancer; at the same time they accidentially found one small spot on her lung. They said the most pressing was the uterine cancer and they believed that the lung just most likely had a scar from a childhood illness.
She did not receive any chemo or anything and recoveded fine. She had scheduled follow ups. She went in September 2007. They found the spot on the lung with no change any nothing else significant. When she felt this new mass (5 x 3.6 x2.7) last week they did a fulll scan and found (several bilateral nodules. 4 in the upper right 1.6-1.8 cm.3 in the superior segment of the right lower lobe 1.7cm and 2 others 2.1.
Also on the left they found 2 nodules in the Apex one .8cm and lying adjacent to the left subclavian artery and the other .9cm lying in an anterior subpleural location as well as two left lower nodules .7 and 2.1 cm.
There has also been development of adenopathy in the superior mediastinum posterior to the upper trachia and wrapped around T4 & T5 vertebrae. They are uncertain if this is a sign of soread to the bones.
Mild nodularity of both adreanal glands is seen more on the left.The aorta is diffusely calcified.Mild sclerosis is seen associated with the scroiliac joint.
On 4/5/08 I got a call from my mom that she had a large vulvar mass inside the muscle, on her fold of her inside thigh. She told me then she was to have surgery today to have it removed. By the way she lives 1500 miles from me. I was going to fly there, but the surgery itself did not sound extremely serious it's self. She has come out ok. Although they kept her longer in recover becaus she has some difficulty breathing and got some oxygen. Also her blood pressure is extremely low.
She goes home tomorrow, They said no driving for two weeks and no work. On April 17th she will go back with her surgeon and her new onacologist. They will have biopsy results and will further discuss the chemo. She is supposed to have it one day for 3 houes then 3 weeks off, until a total of six treatments. At 2 months she will have a new scan to see the progress.
My dad is also in bad shape. My mom is his caretaker. He had a stroke over 2 years ago and is paralized on one side and doesn't work to improve. So he has been more and more difficult to care for.
My mom is convinced that along with chemo taking vitamin C high dosage IV with Chemo can recover you. There are studies going both ways.
Question. How serious does her case sound to those who may understand all this technological info? I'm I right in thinking she is maybe in stage IV?
Do I go visit her now for her current recovery, do I go when she has her next appointment on the 17th wher the doctor will talk more about the biopsy and chemo. Do I go when she has her 1st chemo treatment. Can she die tonight? This week? In months, years and years??? I want to go at the right time as I have two small kids and my husband will have to take off work dor me to go. I won't be able to afford back and forth trips or be able to stay more than a week. We are going there for Christmas as planned years ago. I just don't know what to do. My head is spinning and I am lashing out at my family because I feel so helpless and unknowledgable. Also, she is one to ask a doctor no questions. Makes it even harder. An advice. If you made it through this whole e-maill bless you for taking the time to listen.
Any advise or support whould be much appreciated. |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3929
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:15 am Post subject: Re: Not knowing...what to do...confussed,scared,upset,angry |
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k2gyrator, I am truly sorry about your mother. Forgive me if I felt a little. If I were you, I would be very angry that her doctor's opted not to do any chemotherapy back in 2007. Maybe not all of her other diseases are related to her Endometrial Cancer some well might be. It does sound like it was stage IV back then and certainly does now.
Sorry for venting my own feelings to you. I just know how hard this must for you and your mother. Be assured of my thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/ |
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pbj11
Site Admin
Joined: 12 May 2007
Posts: 1126
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| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: Not knowing...what to do...confussed,scared,upset,angry |
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K2,
Gosh, I'm so very sorry to hear of all the trials your dear parents have been through. They say the Lord never gives us more than we can handle, but sometimes I really wonder about that.
I'm sure you are feeling all kinds of mixed emotions -- that is quite natural and to be expected.
Doctor's are not infallible and they make mistakes. Having not needed chemo for her first cancer allowed the lung cancer to spread without being checked. What looked good for the Endometrioid prognosis turned out to be a double-edged sword because often similar chemotherapy agents are used for different cancers. Wow -- this is really a slap in the face.
She does sound like Stage IV and although there is no cure, she can be treated to extend her life. They'll have to determine exactly what type of LC this is, sub-type and cell differentiations. Then they can assess a treatment plan for her and get moving.
I really don't know what advice to give to you. I'm glad that you are taking your own household's feelings into account and realize that you can't be flying out to your mom and dads all the time. Why don't you sit down with your husband and figure out a good time for you to go for a visit. Consult with your parents to see what their wishes are too as that's very important. It won't matter much when it is, because once she starts treatment, it will probably go on for some time. Good luck with your decisions and keep us posted.
God bless you and your family,
PBJ
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Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.
Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 |
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