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washashore

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About washashore

  • Birthday 05/08/1949

Profile Information

  • City
    Marstons Mills
  • US State (if applicable)
    MASSACHUSETTS
  • Status
    Yes
  • Interests
    Golf,Fishing Walking,

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989 profile views
  1. Antony, I agree with everything that Tom posted. My wife kept a copy of everything. Make sure that you get copies of all MRI and PET scans. Make sure that you get the CD's. This saves time if it comes to getting a second opinion. I had trouble with staying hydrated. I was going in 3 times a week for for fluids. I asked about having a Nurse coming to the house to give me the fluids. For some reason they did not inform that this was an option. It was a great relief for my wife. If there is a social worker at the hospital then take advantage of using them to get things off your chest. Your wife needs you now and you have to stay strong for her. See if there are any groups for caregivers in your area. Basically use whatever services are available. Its a tough battle that you are going through. I will keep your wife in my thoughts and prayers. STAY STRONG
  2. It has been 15 months since I had a right lung lobectomy. Occasionally I get a swelling under my arm in the area of the incision. It feels like I have a football under my arm. There is no pain involved. I am just curious if anyone else has had this problem.
  3. Ralph, I too had never had any kind of surgery ( not counting my Vasectomy) or spent an overnight in the hospital. I was scared, which is a normal reaction. before the surgery i had Chemo and Radiation. To me those were worst than the surgery. I had the top lobe of my right lung removed and they took out a lot of lymph nodes. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I had 2 chest tubes and the catheter. They had to cut and move 1 rib. I was 65 years old at the time of the surgery. I had to take a stress test and some respiratory testing. I was lucky that I was a candidate for the surgery. Everyone told me to stay ahead of the pain. Don't be concerned about taking too much of the morphine that they will have you hooked up to. There was no pain when the removed the chest tubes and the catheter. Believe me you will overcome any type of shyness that come with the care. The nurses have seen it all. they will have you up and walking the next day and every day that you are there. I had a visitor that couldn't believe that i did not have any type of breathing tubes. I was lucky that I had my wife help me with any type of washing up and other types of care. They use dissolving stitches so you don't have them removed. Again, don't try and be a hero. If you need medication then take them. (within reason). I would be glad to answer any questions that you have. I am now 15 months cancer free. So far so good. GOOD LUCK AND STAY POSITIVE.
  4. Getting mad is a normal reaction. This disease is one that can change at any time. You can not let it consume you. i suggest that you stay positive and give a lot of support. Each day that we have is a blessing.
  5. When I found out that i had LC, I stayed away from the internet. That didn't last too long. When I saw the chances of survival I was very upset. My Oncologist said to ignore what you read. He never mentioned the odds at all. Everyone is different. I go to a cancer support group once a month. You would be amazed at the number of people that I have talked to who were told that they had a very poor chance of survival. Yet here they are years later and still surviving. They told me to stay positive and I have taken their advice. Stay Strong!!!
  6. Good Luck, I hope that everything works out for you. Stay strong and positive. You have to become your own advocate sometimes. I let my wife become mine. Sometimes you have to be a little demanding and to let them know that you need answers.
  7. Good Luck, we will all be here for support.
  8. I had a upper right Lobectomy in October 2014 They removed a lot of lymph nodes that were cancerous also. I just had a PET scan and nothing showed up. That translates to 14 months being cancer free. People tell me that I am a survivor, but I don't feel like it. I still have issues with pain and dizziness and fatigue. I feel blessed that I am still. I thought that the 5 year mark was the goal to reach. I was wrong. I am part of a cancer group, and they straightened me out. I have received so much positive support from these people. I have learned that a cancer diagnose is not the end of it all. I have seen so many that have beaten the odds. So, I am a survivor and I will be positive from now on.
  9. I was also scared about having the Chemo (cisplatin) Everyone reacts differently to the procedure. Listen to everyones advice and use what you think that applies to you. My problem was staying hydrated. I ended up going 3 times a week, in addition to the chemo, for fluids. I went to the hospital for this until I found out that the VNA would come to the house and give me the fluids. Before I started I went to the barbershop and had my hair cut very short. I did lose some of my hair but not all. My wife says that I have more hair now than before. There was 1 woman that was thrilled that she lost the hair on her legs and armpits. The staff in the infusion room were terrific and also the volunteers. No one knows what you are going through unless they have gone through it. The volunteers usually are cancer patients themselves. Did you have a port installed/ That makes it easier. Chemo is scary, but it could save your life. After I started, my attitude was " bring it on" I can take what you give me. I have plenty of fight left in me. Take advantage of any type of support that is available, whether it is your relative or group or a social worker at the hospital. Good Luck, stay strong and positive.
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