my mom is getting chemo radiotherapy. How can I help her?

tami · New User Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 3

My Mom was diagnosed with base of the tounge cancer 5 weeks ago. It was stage 3 (small tumor & spread to one lymp node). They are treating it agressively with 6 consecutive weeks of radiation (1x a day for weeks 1-4 & 2x a day weeks 5-6) and 6 weeks of chemo (one week on 2 weeks off x 6)The drugs are cisplatin, doxecatel, and fluorocil drip for 5 days. She just completed her first week of chemo and 2 week of radiation and she is in bad shape. Horrible pain, mouth sores, fever, she can't sleep more than an hour at a time due to the mouth dryness and pain. Today they did hospitalize her due to her condition and her fever and white cell count. If she is doing so poorly at this stage of the game will she be able to handle the rest of her treatment. Could it be too strong for her. I live in NY and she is in TX so it is very hard for me since I can't question her doctors. She is very stubborn and independent and tells me that she doesnt want me to come down until she feels better. I feel helpless and would love to see if anyone else has had a similar treatment and how they faired. thanks in advance.
Tami

SFGiants13 · Senior User Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Posts: 115 Location: CA SF

i've been through so many treatment sessions, 6 sessions in 02 and 4 sessions with 23days long session in 05, chemo and rad but chemo is so much more intense. I experienced nauseau, vomiting, fevers, dry mouth, spitting, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc. The treatment is a rough road to travel and handle, but tell your mom to always stay strong, stay positive, and don't give up. I hope your mom will get better. Good luck!

Anonymous · Guest

my heart goes out to you...
this is a tough call...should you just disregard your Mom's stubborness and go there anyways? (I was out of state on vacation when My Mom called to say Dad was hospitalized and not expected to have much time....he is also VERY stubborn but I took next flight home. He pointed his finger at me and said "You're supposed to be in VA"..then smiled and grabbed my arm and said "You have no idea how great it is to see you")
I feel you should go. If that's not possible, call her doctors no matter how far away you are. I'll bet they'll be very sympathetic and give you all the info you need.
Do you (and she) have a lot of support? That has been by far the greatest factor for me..I could never deal with all this without my family and friends.
Also..I found that some of the airlines are very flexible about their fares if you explain the situation to them
I'll be praying that you find peace and the right decisions

tami · New User Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 3

thanks for the feedback. I did speak to her chemo dr. today and they are going to hold off on any more chemo for now. It looks like it was too toxic for her while she was getting radiation. So they are doing the rad and then will regroup on the chemo. The one drug in particular is the Docetaxel which may be the primary problem. Anyone ever have it? I booked my flight to TX to see her. She is still in the hospital and heavily drugged for pain so at this point she if ok with me coming. It is unknown when she can come home. She still has a high fever and the origin is unknown. Her blood pressure is also too low. The dr. seemed baffled. Not sure if I have much confindence in this chemo dr at this point. any other feedback would be appreciated.
Tami

Anonymous · Guest

Tami I'm glad you talked to doctor even if you didn't get clear answers ...happier to find out you got flight
Being from another state is even more difficult to find the specialist you need. (It's hard enough locally!!)
Best to start with internet...American Cancer Society first...then try different entries for type of cancer, state...I know there are hundreds of other ways but i don't know details. ASK everybody..someone will have the answer.
Good luck on this long journey...don't give up

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> General Cancer topics	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others