Update from Onc visit

[Andrea]

We saw the oncologist today for what I thought was going to be a routine "you're doing great" visit. Turns out, he actually got angry at one point b/c he was frustrated! He is NOT happy with my mom's progress he said We said we were fine with her quality of life as it is, I mean she has a life, so who cares if she is more tired. He said that is fine, but I am not happy! It was almost funny.

He is concerned and wants to investigate. The problem is that she is still very weak--she cannot lift a gallon of water. She huffs and puffs walking upstairs at the house and then has to sit down. She cannot walk up inclines around her development. She is fatigued a lot. Short of breath. And now even wheezing a bit. We thought that was all normal. I mean we can do the mall together

He set her up with a pulmonologist next Thurs to evaluate her . The onc is calling the pulmonologist to discuss her. I don't want the cancer to be back!!!! He said if her scans and PET were not just done in August he would think the cancer might be back, but her blood work is all good and he is fairly confident it is ok. The next chest ct scan will be mid Dec, but she is getting a chest xray on Thurs for the pulmonoloist.

Depending on what the pulmonary tests show, after that she needs to see a cardiovascular specialist and already got a script for an echocardiogram.

Never a dull moment

[kimblanchard]

It doesn't sound to me like the cancer is back. It just sounds like she has not recovered from the torture as much as we'd all like. So if the blood work is good and the scans are clean, don't go borrowing that trouble. Focus on improving how she feels as much as possible. Sounds like you have some good docs.

Curtis

[palves]

to my dad last June. He thought he was dying. Couldn't take a shower w/o having to rest afterwards. Walking from teh recliner to the bathroom took a lot of effort and he was out of breath. He was also coughing non stop non productive. Turns out we believe it was a bronchial infection and radiation pneumonitis. Finally got an appt w/ the pulminologist and he really helped him out. Antibiotics helped clear him up and now he is on an inhaler 2x/day. A world of difference.

Paula

Dad, Stage IIIB, nonoperable, chemo trial, radiation. Tumor stil there, but not sure what else is going on . Waiting for next appt w oncologist - maybe bronchoscopy to figure what else is going on .. Difference of opiniion - pulmonologist says bronchoscopy, onc says not yet ..

[chloesmom]

Andrea,

I hope you and the docs can get to the bottom of the tired issue for your mom. Seems a shame to go through all this treatment and then not be able to walk around the neighborhood.

Here's a thought--is she pushing herself just a tiny bit with exercise? Reason I ask is, I have plenty of energy now, but I'm a lot younger than your mom and don't have the underlying health issues she has. I had been walking at least 2 miles a day and not getting anywhere losing this weight I gained thru treatment.

So, I joined a Gold's gym the other day and had my first session with a personal trainer last night after work. Well, let me tell you, I now have a clue as to how benign the exercise I had been doing was compared to the workout he gave me--and he said, "We're gonna start off with small steps." So, I think I get it now.

It's just a thought--I just want her to feel good.

Cindy

[Andrea]

Thanks! She does exercise, she does the treadmill at 2.7 speed and 2.5 incline. But she has not increased it ina long while which she needs to do.

Hopefully it is nothing serious and the onc is just being super cautious.

I just hate when you go for what you think is a "nothing" visit and then it turns into "something"

[stand4hope]

Andrea,

I'm sure the pulmonologist will be able to help your mom. My dad had COPD for many years, and his pulmonologist really did a LOT to help him with his breathing for a very, very long time. I don't know about the weakness (lifting things), but I would think if her breathing improves then she will feel more like working on re-building her strength.

Praying for you, hon. Send me a PM if you want to talk.

Love,

Peggy

[BeckyCW]

Andre,

Well, it sounds like a disappointing doctor visit, on one hand... but how nice that the doctor is so concerned about your mom's quality of life that he's not willing to "leave well enough alone," as I'm sure some would have. ??? Here's hoping the doc will find out what's up and fix it, just as icing on the cake. Then your mall outings can be even more fun and frequent. Sending prayers for that to happen soon,

BeckyCW

[Andrea]

We saw the pulmonologist today, she had a chest xray and breathed into something. Turns out her lung capacity is 50% that of a "normal" person and expected from her lobectomy is 80%. She has some radiation neumitis (not sure on spelling) and they are doing further breathing tests, low level stress test, and an echocardiogram.

That's all

[SJAS]

Heavens Andrea, you're right. There's never a dull moment. Darn this cancer stuff. Hoping for a quick turnaround for your mom.

[Connie B]

Andrea,

Just wanted to add my prayers for you and mom and dad. I pray the Echo will be just fine. Poor mom! She has been through so much in such a short time. I think it's time she has a break in the action. I wish her well! (((((ANDREA & MOM & DAD)))))))))

Love & Hugs,

Con