Stephi

You might see if she can tolerate the boost shakes with ice cream...full of nutrients and calories..we also gave my mom some pedialite pops...kids don't mind them so they don't taste too bad.. many prayers for you and your Mom Stephi

Val, thank you so much for this..you have written what is in my heart..It does hurt so much when friends and family used to "show up" to p lay cards, eat, etc. but when you need them to come or call, take it on themselves to "do something" without being asked, and to be senistive to what is going on..well, so many just don't..It is almost like they have a fear that if they are around cancer, they may "catch it"... My dear Mother was dx with pancreatic cancer in Dec. and my husband has been going thru lung cancer treatments since April of last year...in between all that I had my 6th heart attack, this time to be put on a vent. for 4 days...Although we did have alot show up at the hospital, (my mom was in hospital, and I was taking care of and staying with her when I had the heart attack), at the beginning,many didn't come back or call for days...HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!! what is wrong with this picture???? Our immediate family stepped in with my son coming from Calif. and then switching off with our dear daughter in law....and I have 2 wonderful friends who I couldn't do this without..My mom and I are 1 hour away, so time spent on the road is alot.... Your blog gives us food for thought and an opportunity to send it on to those who have "asked what they could do" in the past...You have said it well..thank you so much Stephi

Karen, it is so good to see you post.. I have sent you a PM but hadn't heard anything. Please know that I continue to hold you up in prayer for peace and strength to get through this. my email: sfannaly2@aol.com Please send me yours. Stephi

Larry has had another MRI after increading pain to his hip. It was done without contrast, but they said they could tell there was no mets there, but that he does need a new hip. Also has sciatica in the same side. He slept the other day all day. Spent yesterday at the hospital and then today is sleeping. He is taking way too many pain meds for my taste..it scare me. He is still working most weeks, but we just never know when that could change. He has not gotten the gemzar n ow for 2 weeks due to the pain. He also still has alot of swelling in his legs from the gemzar. things just aren't going as I would like. I am trying to get appts. for him and my mom who has pancreatic cancer at City of Hope in Calif. asap. I will feel better for both of them after getting a second opinion. Has anyone else had problems with pain in the hips?? could this be something they can't see on a scan? he also just had a bone scan..it showed major bone degeneration, but no mets.. thanks Stephi

Sandy, please re read the above from those who have been there. You took such good care of your Jim and did all the right things for him. When the time came to do what was best for him ..you did. sending you hugs of comfort and prayers for peace.. Stephi

Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss, and that of your family. Please know you did all you could for him...and out of that, loving him is the best. Sending prayers and hugs .. Stephi

Jodi, I will be holding you and your family up in prayer. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her greatly. Stephi

good for you Debbie!!!! Maybe all that you have done so far will help him improve. As far as the power of atty. the patient co ordinator can do this for you. If your mom (or his wife) is still living, then she is automatically the one they will ask..but it doesn't hurt to get one with your name on it also, for them both..I am an only child and my dad is deceased. My mom has pc and while caring for her in hospital, I collasped with heart failure and a heart attack and was put on a vent for 4 days...it was frightening...since then I have one and my oldest son has one on my mom..I have one on myself and my husband with children as secondary. They must sign them though..so your dad will have to be better to do this. It only involves healthcare..a notary or atty. must do a regular power of atty. for banking issues, etc. I will keep your family in prayer sweetie, that he will improve, and you will get some rest. Stephi

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 11:24 am Post subject: be firm Debbie, something you will learn here quickly is that you MUST be aggressive...the Drs. and nurses and hospital work for YOU>>>question them, if you have any trouble go to the patient advocate ASAP..do not leave her alone, as someone said...ask for a consult with another Dr. demand to see her test results and that they are doing the right tests...when she comes out os this make sure you have a durable power of atty. for her healthcare. sending prayers of strength and courage and throwing in a bit of "bite" for ya Stephi

Debbie, something you will learn here quickly is that you MUST be aggressive...the Drs. and nurses and hospital work for YOU>>>question them, if you have any trouble go to the patient advocate ASAP..do not leave her alone, as someone said...ask for a consult with another Dr. demand to see her test results and that they are doing the right tests...when she comes out os this make sure you have a durable power of atty. for her healthcare. sending prayers of strength and courage and throwing in a bit of "bite" for ya Stephi

Debbie, I am so sorry about your Dad. I don't have any medical info for you. Is he being treated in a Comp Cancer Center?? You may want another opinion. My husband's cancer is next to the aorta and on the pul artery also. He is being treated successfully. Your dad may have had a reaction to a med they gave him. I do know he should be on an IV..insist on that now. They may have to restrain him to keep him from pulling it out, but he needs to be hydrated. Please know that this place is a wealth of information..and compassion. Sending you prayers of courage and strength and hugs of comfort Stephi

Jodi, sending prayers of peace and comfort for you all Stephi

great news on no mets to brain....as far as drinking the water..my Mom who has pancreatic cancer says water tastes like metal and hates it...Dr. said it doesn't matter what they drink as long as they drink something....we have tried cranberry juice mixed with some sprite, she likes that alot...white grape juice sometimes mixed with something..all I can tell you is to try everything until you hit something he likes..but let me warn you, it seems they tire of it soon and you have to look for something else!!!! My husband has lung cancer and has never stopped drinking his almost 1/2 fifth of Jack Daniels a night!!! even when he had mouth sores....he was dehydrated 1 time in a year...my mom almost every week since Feb. If he begins to dehydrate the most important thing is get him to Dr. so they can give it via IV...dehydration will knock them down alot, and then if there is vomiting with it..well, let me tell you it "ain't pretty"...just don't let it get that far...if you take his BP at home take it sitting and then have him stand and take it again..if there is a big difference he is dehydrated. best of luck on continued good news for him Stephi

Sandy, I know how terribly hard this is on everyone. A what we think will be "simple" trip to the hospital turns into something frightening. I know you all will continue to fight this thing. My thoughts and prayers are there with you.. sending hugs, Stephi

Laura, thank you so much for letting us know what is going on. Karen is a remarkable lady. But she (and you) will need everyone during this very hard time. My continued prayers for peace and strength. Please let her know we are all thinking of them. I will PM her my phone number so if she wants to talk...love, hugs and prayers for you all Stephi