LindaMRG

Hello Friends, My father has been in the hospital with pneumonia since 1/14. They want to release him tomorrow or Wed, they did an Xray to check on things but his lungs sound improved every day. He had some fluid last time they checked so they gave him IV lasix. His electrolytes were low so they gave him IV calcium too. He's also getting a transfusion right now. My questions are these: 1. He is so tired and sleeping a lot, he doesnt stay awake much. Is this normal in recovering from pneumonia? 2. Has anyone experienced gagging? He does this once in awhile. His cough is not bad, better every day, but he's concerned about this. 3. Has anyone experienced twitching? Doc seemed to think it was his low calcium. Thanks for any help you can give me. What concerns me the most is the sleeping.

Rich, you just made me laugh out loud after an exhausting day!

Cheryl and Jack, Please dont let the skepticism of others stop you from posting about your treatments. I, for one, am very interested. I am so eager to get my father out of that hospital and to the doctor I found that deals with this type of therapy. I have always written down what I learn here and ask onc about it. I have also written down what I learn in this section to ask this particular doctor about it and see what pertains to my father's situation. When he prescribes things for my father I'll ask questions and do research myself. You are such an inspiration on this board. Youve shared your experiences, knowledge on different things, kindness and compassion to everyone who needs it. Please know how many people you touch. There will always be someone who doesnt agree, but there will be the many, many others that you may have helped, more than you probably even know about.

I did read his book but it lead me to find a doctor that deals with alternative treatments. There is so much out there I was hoping a doc could sort it out for me for my father. We will see him when my father recovers from pneumonia. Let us know what you think if you try the sample.

Hi Cheryl, Thank you for the info which I copied down. We were all set to see a doctor that deals with alternative meds before my father got pneumonia so I am writing down all that I learn for when we do go. Are you taking anything else either by IV or mouth? Thanks so much!

((((((((((((OH FRANCINE))))))))))))))))))))) Im sooooooo happy that youre okay!!!

Im sitting here crying, thanking each one of you by name. Im so comforted knowing all the prayers going up. God Bless you over and over again every day. Much love to each of you from the bottom of my heart.

Hello Prayer Warriors, My father is in the hospital with pneumonia, needed 2 units of blood (probably from chemo on Monday); is doped up with codeine and his pain patch. Nurse said his lungs sound okay, just some diminished sounds; no wheezing or other noises. He doesnt need help walking to the bathroom anymore, he can get around by himself which is an improvement from Thursday. I am praying so hard that he gets better soon and can get back to his chemo and we can go to the doc/nutritionist and get him started on supplements. His regular doctor also started him on calcium drip and supplement. Im just praying so hard for him and asking for prayers everywhere I can. He's so wonderful and kind and unselfish. Please pray for my father, Matthew. Thank you so much. I pray for this board every night.

Hi Karen, Thats so great that your mother is asymptomatic. I asked about RFA also but it was not an option for my father. He did have IMRT (intense modulated radiation therapy) which is high dose radiation targeting the tumor or node specifically and sparing surrounding tissue, thus, minimal or no side effects. The high dose should achieve greater results. My father had to stop this when they found brain mets, but you might want to ask onc if it is an option for your mother. Im glad you found our board, the people here are so great. Keep us posted on your mom.

They found 3 brain mets on my father at the end of November. One is 1.2cm and other two are smaller. He had WBR and they said if anything is left over they will do stereotactic radiosurgery. Dont worry, there are things that can be done. And let me second what they all said about statistics - DONT READ THEM!!!!!!!! They are outdated and dont take into account all that is new.

My father is taking Benzenotate. I think codeine works the best, though.

Sounds like you caught that blood clot in time so HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! about that adrenal gland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im glad you gave us an update, Dave. That is GREAT that the liver tumor is shrinking! I was also so happy to read how positive your oncs are. My father's onc and rad onc, and regular doc are all so encouraging with him and its so important. Youre doing so much for so many by participating in these studies.

(((((((((((SHELLIE)))))))))))))))))))))))) So sorry your day went from bad to worse, absolutely unbelieveable, isnt it?

Thanks for sharing that, it made me laugh!

Dean, I remember about 10 years ago when my grandmother had multiple myeloma she told me the Cancer Society would give her $500 if she needed it, I cant remember if she took it and dont know if they still do that but it might be worth looking into. Also, after some web surfing, I came up with these sites, not sure if it will help but thought Id try: http://www.spinlife.com/zine/linksget.cfm?catid=671 http://www.petesportal.net/bookmed.htm (scroll down to disability related sites) http://www.scooterlink.com/LinkDisplay. ... gory_id=21 Also, what about checking into your local Social Service office and seeing what they can do for you.

Hello Friends, My father had started Gemzar and Zometa on Monday. Tuesday night he started not to feel well. Wednesday morning had a temp, was weak, went to ER and xray says pneumonia. Today he was doped up with his pain patch for his shoulder and codeine for his cough. I hated seeing him like this. We were supposed to go to nutrition/vitamin doc tomorrow and now we cant. I rescheduled for next Wed hoping he's out of the hospital by then. I so much wanted to get him on a nutrition/vitamin plan. So, any prayers, advice would be so much appreciated. Im praying for all of you every night.

Okay, so CT was stable - GREEAAAAAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of women have "areas of concern on a mammo" then turns out to be nothing! I'll be praying that youre one of them!!!

Im with ya Ginny praying for the Miracle Cure in '04!

Hi Judy, So sorry for your pain and how sick you are with the chemo. Im with you voting for 2004 to be much better!

Hey, Ive been wondering what was going on, Im glad you posted and even more glad that you have a great plan in place!

HURRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, sorry for screaming, Im just so thrilled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You scared me when I saw your post!!!!!! Of course I'll send up prayer for you. Cant wait to see that post of yours in GOOD NEWS!!!

If for some reason the RFA doesnt work out, ask about IMRT (intense modulated radiation therapy). High dose radiation targeting tumor or node sparing surrounding tissue so there are little or no side effects. Might be worth just asking onc about.

Dear Ginny, Im sorry I didnt see this post till today 1/11. So I'll be praying for him by name till I see your post in GOOD NEWS!!! Dear Jesus, please lay Your Healing Hand on our Duke. He's a good man with a good, loving wife. We pray that she is posting in GOOD NEWS before the week is out. Amen.