atlanta1

Hello everyone - my dad had first round of chemo last Wednesday (11/14). First couple days afterwards he felt ok, then major fatigue - basically he said he felt "wiped out". Nauseated - but no vomiting. Yesterday a urine test revealed that he was dehydrated so he had a iv of fluids given. I just think he got dehydrated kind of quick...but knowing my Dad - he's been "sipping" but not really chugging the fluids like he needs to be. The doctor's office didn't seem too alarmed - all in a days work for them I guess. Just wondering if any of you caregivers have come across the same thing. You think your day is going to go one way - just a quick trip to the doc for bloodwork and then radiation 30 minutes tops - and you end up staying a couple hours for an IV and then having to skip radiation because it was so late. The "new normal" I guess...it's just so hard...well this post was more of a meandering vent than anything else.

I hear ya - my dad started radiation last week and starts chemotherapy today. After what seemed like an endless series of tests finally - some action!

Could it be viscous lidocaine (not sure of the spelling) that is kind of a thick mouthwash that numbs your mouth? I believe you have to have a prescription for it. Also - you might want to ask your doctor about Lysine - I've heard of people taking it on a regular basis to prevent fever blisters...might be worth checking into - you can find it where all the vitamins are in the stores. Yes - cancer sucks - I wish the best for you and your wife.

Hello everybody - I'm so glad I have stumbled my way here. My dad began having pain in his back in August, after being treated for torn muscle, he was referred to pain doctor (Sept). Pain doc ordered bone scan - showed lesion on rib...referred to oncologist. Oncologist ordered CT scan - showed mass on liver - it was biopsied and results say non small cell adenocarcinoma - which has led the oncologist to review further a small spot in his right lung that previously didn't cause any excitement during the initial testing. During the middle of all this - a couple days after the liver biopsy my dad had a blood clot go to his lungs so that was a few days in the hospital. He had a pet scan yesterday. My question is - is it normal that these seemingly endless rounds of scheduling, tests, etc etc seem to go on forever before you get a definitive diagnosis and treatment options? Maybe because his only symptom is pain? He has lost some weight - he and my mom are nearly over the edge with worry. And do doctors ever talk to each other?? So far this has been extremely frustrating and I'm sure we have only scratched the surface of this journey. Any advice on handling the health care system would be greatly appreciated!