Pegi

Michele, Just checking in to see how your week is going.... Let us know when you get the chance. Peg

Michele, Lee is advanced Stage IV small cell metastasized to liver.They tell us not curable BUT containable. The objective is to kill and shrink tumors. They told us to get our ducks in a row. We have already told DR when it comes to quality of life we will decide what is best for him. They gave him 6 weeks w/o treatment. Nothing is guaranteed. Right now I take each day it comes. He does continue to deteriorate (weakness). He lost ALOT of muscle & fat. We had a trip to ER this morning. Rectal bleeding. Has another Dr appt for that on Thursday. They say hemorrhoids BUT I have never seen so much blood from that. Just another bump in the road. had a new set of wheels delivered for him today. Walker. It helps alot even getting into and out of his recliner. You have a good list of questions started for tomorrow. USE THEM ALL! Keep us posted! Hugs & prayers. Peg

Michele of course the weekend is here and any questions you may have for Monday cannot get answered. Pack him a small bag. Book, computer, tablet, maybe some Gatorade, some favorite munchies. I know we walked in with no basic knowledge of what was to happen. Pretty scary. I made sure I fed him before we went..Our cancer center does supply munchies and water and warm blankets if needed. They are going to do a blood test first. Then if prescribed they will give him drugs to help prevent nausea and then comes the chemo. 1st day is always longest. Next 2 days are shorter. Our tech was awesome and she answered every question I had written down. I do not go there without my notebook. My husband always reminds me if I forget. Do not be afraid to ask for printouts for the drugs and other procedures.You have the weekend write down all those questions. Unfortunately I have files for everything going on. It also helps you to keep a journal of this journey. the journal will also help you vent. I am not working right now and I cannot imagine having to work and do this also. Lee collapsed @ work and that sent us to ER and that was the start of our journey. This hit him hard and fast and thru it all he simply amazes me. I pray your husband has no nausea which for us has been a Godsend. Hard enough dealing with all the other stuff without that too. P.S. You are human those nerves are gonna be pushed to the limit. I have yelled and screamed at some family members for some of the stupid stuff they have pulled. Lee and I are a team and you either get behind us or get left in the dust. I no longer have time for any kind of drama. Hugs & prayers!!! God is always working even when we think he's not there.

Michele, like you I am now on this journey with my husband. We have hope but we are also realists. Right now I am grateful for everyday past 6 weeks. 2 rounds of chemo down and once the initial shock wears off you take one step at a time one day at a time. There are so may UNKNOWNS like waiting for test results. Thank God the hospital has a place where we can get results quicker than the dr's. Do I have days where I am overwhelmed? Oh heck yes! Am I worn out? YES! Did I stop by my primary care Dr to get a B12 shot? YES! And I feel much better after 3 days. We are in this fight together and we stand united in front of family even when they disagree with us. It is our path and our choice not theirs. Peg

This hit Lee like an atom bomb! Stage IV lung cancer metastasized into liver on June 12th 2017. They gave him 6 weeks w/o treatment. They tell you there is no cure. Only hope to shrink and kill cells. Get all your ducks in a row. They are not pulling any punches. This started with a round of bronchitis, weight loss and weakness. I am in the learning process. This is a hard process to watch and be able to absorb. This was not in our game plan. Round 2 of Chemo under our belt. Thank God the side effects for him have been minimal compared to other people. They push exercise and eating and hydration. What do they do when the weakness takes over and even a shower wipes him out for the entire day? How do you handle watching him crawl up stairs to go to bed @ night? I know he feels like he has to be tough guy. Trip to DR yesterday scared the hell out of me. He needs a walker because walking is becoming hazardous to his health. I feel like I am forcing food on him constantly. I told him just tell me shut up and go lay down if it becomes too much. As caregivers how do you react to all of this? At first I was a raving lunatic with some family members. They are not comprehending how serious this is. His own brother showed up @ door with a concoction of hydrogen peroxide & water. Told his brother it was a cure all. I told him NO not in my house. Made the mistake of leaving them alone. His brother fixed him a drink. I was so mad I was shaking. Needless to say he has not been back. There is no offer to help just have to visit constantly and be forced out the door for staying to long. It just gets OLD! It just seems like it is a fight to get the care needed or help along the way. Any suggestions/