wendyr

Shannygirl: I just came off the social security website. Go to www.ssa.gov/disability/ As you navigate the site, you'll see that cancer is a disability & you can get the application process going by applying online. On the right side of the page under 'more information' you'll be able to see which cancers are covered & I think your Dad would qualify. Hope this helps. Please let us know if it works. Good Luck & God Bless

Dear Shannygirl: please give social security a call or check their website. You can view the website to determine if your Dad is eligle for social security. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

A wonderful post. Certainly puts things in perspective wendy

I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's illness and the hardship on your Mom. I'm not real sure about this, but I think he will qualify for Social Security Disability. One of our neighbors who has cancer is in his mid 50's and got on social security in just a matter of weeks. Please check with your Social Security Office to get more information and hopefully a little relief. Perhaps there are others here that can give you more complete information. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

That is wonderful. It shows the inner strength and the will to get the job done which I'm sure has served you so well through your battle with this disease. Have you considered moving to Florida? No snow here. Continued successes. Good Luck & God Bless wendy ps. what's a snowblower? (just kidding)

Hi and Welcome. You don't know yet what stage your Dad's cancer is and that could be important as to how they determine treatment. My husband was 69 when diagnosed, he's 70 now, and apart from the cancer was in very good health. We sought treatment locally and came away very troubled with the treatment plan and the attitude of the oncologist so we sought a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center (see profile) If there is a major cancer center near you, I would strongly suggest you get a second opinion. That way you can compare diagnosis & treatment plans, plus the level of professionalism. There is treatment and there is always hope. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

We know how expensive Avastin (and Tarceva) are and consider ourselves very fortunate to be in a clinical trial where Genentech, which makes both drugs, is picking up the cost. The cost was a factor in deciding to go into the trial. Genentech have a link on their web site for patient assistance, so for anyone already maxed out on their insurance, or about to, it might be worthwhile to persue it. wendy

Thanx Larry: It was pretty unsettling for the last few days before she passed. It was almost as if she had one foot in this world and one foot in the afterlife. Pretty unnerving when you're the only one there listening to it. She knew who she was talking to on the other side but she didn't know who I was. I do rely on the bible, as little as I know of it, but real life experiences like those can really make you wonder. Plus what about all the near death experiences we read about where people actually go to the other side & then come back. Don't know, but wish I did. wendy

I agree with jenniferann. You must be a strong advocate for your mother. She is fighting this disease the best way she can and cannot be her own advocate. Since there appears to be some progression, a second (or third) opinion would not be out of line. I think being a good advocate doesn't necessarily mean riding roughshod over your Mom and her wishes, or her medical team, but you should be able to have your questions answered and your issues regarding your Mom addressed by them. The doctors are used to it and will not be offended. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

Well my theory doesn't fit exactly with y'alls but I believe that we go to the grave, and we sleep until the resurrection. The bible tells us that Jesus will assume his rightful throne as King of the Earth after armageddon and and at that time everyone will be resurrected. The sea shall give up it's dead and so shall the grave. At that time we will be judged and given the opportunity to repent our sins and accept Jesus and go to heaven as spirits. That is my belief, however shortly before my mother died she was talking to people who had already passed before her and one of my brothers who had died when he was just 2 yrs old came to her in a dream as a fully grown adult and told her she would be fine & he was waiting for her. It's a mystery that I have no pat answers for. Perhaps there is a more learned bible scholar who could chime in here?

I am very sorry to hear of your Dad's bad news. First of all don't ever be sorry 'for bringing this here' we are hear to listen and hopefully to help. Don is right, we all ask the same questions and there are no answers why this horrid disease happens to good people. It just does. I do agree with Don that a second opinion is always an option and a good idea. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

My husband has done a fair job of eating throughout his treatments so far even forcing himself to eat to maintain his weight. His appetite has been nil, nada nothing for the last 3 weeks and he is losing weight. Today I came up with a milkshake that he thinks he will be able to tolerate. Carnation Instant Breakfast. One pkg blended with half & half (the kind you put in coffee)instead of regular milk and a couple of scoops of ice cream. You can also add cut up fruit for added flavor. Into the blender it all goes for an instant milk shake. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

Hi Barb: our onc explained that white blood cells are made in the marrow of the bones, especially the long bones of the body (legs) and that after a shot bone pain is very common. I think it means that your body is making new white cells. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

Hi Dawn: Dad sounds like a fighter! That's good. Low bloods counts are common and can be resolved with neupogen for low white count & aranesp for low red count. Sometimes chemo is postponed for a few days until white count comes back up. Also very important to drink extra fluids to clean out kidneys. Good Luck & God Bless wendy

My husband has been on tarceva since 12/28/06 with only a minimal rash but a CT just 6 weeks later showed disease stable with minor shrinkage. The rash, such as it is, didn't show up for over 3 weeks. Don't put too much emphasis on rash vs effectiveness. Good Luck & God Bless Wendy

Prayers coming your way for a successful surgery. Good Luck and God Bless wendy

Welcome Candy: Glad you found us. There is a wealth of information and support here. Don't hesitate to ask questions and please keep us up to date on your Dad's progress. Good Luck and God Bless wendy

My husband uses MetroGel 1%. It's mainly for rosacea but it works for him. Only available by RX wendy

Hi Tanner: Maurice stays in the bed most of the day. His strongest time of day seems to be between 4 - 7pm when he gets up & sits in his chair a while then he's off to bed. Appetite very poor, has lost about 8 lbs during the last 1-2 weeks. I think the high pain level is taking away the appetite. Hopefully the docs can come up with the right pain combo for both of them. Good Luck wendy

Tanner, thank you so much for your response. Maurice started in his trial of tarceva/avastin on 12/28/06 & when cat scanned 6 weeks later the scan showed disease stable with very minor shrinkage. I wish the same for your Karen. My research on avastin shows the main side effect as pain but most folks seem to tolerate it with no problem. I guess Karen & Maurice are the exceptions to that rule. We too were told no nsaids because of the bleeding issue with avastin, but the oxycontin & ultram are just not controlling the pain and he cannot take percoset. He is reluctant to say anything to the onc as he doesn't want to be taken out of the trial. Please keep posting, I would like you to keep us up to date on Karen's progress. Many thanx wendy

Congratulations. Go Mom, Go wendy

So sorry you didn't get the result you were hoping for. I pray they will come up with the right chemo cocktail for your husband. Hang in there wendy

Hi All: I know I've asked this question before but maybe someone new will see it and perhaps answer it. My husband is taking Tarceva & Avastin and is experiencing terrible bone and joint pain. Is anyone else experiencing these side effects. Also, our pcp says it should be ok to take Celebrex however the onc says no as could cause bleeding. Any experience, comments etc. Thanks Wendy

After just 6 weeks on Tarceva my husbands ct scan showed the disease as stable with very minor shrinkage. Many here have had good results with it and I wish success for your husband. Good Luck & God Bless Wendy

Don is right, you do indeed have a very common problem. I too had a very difficult relationship with my mother and was her only caregiver. I have no wonderful insights to offer as Don has summed it up nicely. All I can say is when she starts getting difficult, breathe deep, count to ten, think fast and speak slow.