KerryToo Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 My Mom was originally diagnosed with NSCLC IIIB. She went into remission, then a new primary in the opposite lung appeared. She also had a brain mets. The lung tumor is stable due to Tarceva, and she had RadioStatic Brain Radition which was successful - NED. She was taking steroids until about July, and has declined since then. She has very little energy, breathlessness, and no appetite. Week to week she slows down more and more and is able to do much less than before. She sleeps often and is exhausted at the least exertion. She finally received oxygen (today) but says that that doesn't make her feel much better. What is going on? I wonder if this will progress to complete inability to do much of anything. What I don't get is that the cancer seems to be under control - NED - but her body is saying "I've had enough"? Any comments or similar experiences? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 (((Kerry))) I'm sending you a big cyber hug. I understand what you are going through this sounds like what my mom is going through and we are looking for answers too. I think she may have radiation pneumonitis, but so far we can't seem to get any answers from the doctors. They recommended that she go to a nursing home for rehabilitation. She has been there for 2 weeks now. Last week she seemed like she might be getting a bit stronger and then all of the suddened she just got weaker. I went with her down to therapy yesterday and she had a real hard time walking it just wore her out. Anyway I just wanted to say I understand and will keep your mom in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Has your mom seen a cardiologist? My mom was also getting increasingly tired. She had a triple bypass. I am not sure if the two were related. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdjenkins Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 This sounds exactly what is happening to my Dad. The chemo is working to hold stable or shrink the tumor, but he continues to get weaker and weaker. It is so hard to see him struggle so just to walk to the bathroom. He is taking a chemo break and we are hoping he will regain some strength. We just don't understand it either, but he started his decline while on Tarceva. He was on it for two months but it did not work for him. I hope you find your answers and your mom gets stronger soon. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerbil runner Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Check for anemia! My mom almost died of it, and it happened very quickly. Don't delay. Even the visiting nurse didn't suspect it. My mom was very short of breath and was so weak she couldn't even stand up without help. 2 units of blood were needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Also check her Thyroid levels. As if they are too high she will increasinly get weaker and weaker. T levels are supppose to be around 3, my husbands was up to 35 and he become like a zombie. A simple blood test will determine that. Joel had his taken care of and was back to himself in 2 weeks. I was reading your profile. Wow, it seems like your entire family has been plagued with LC. I am so sorry for you. You have been through this again and again. Please make sure you get yourself check out. I pray they find out what is wrong with her. It may turn out to be something simple that can be fixed. fingers crossed. Prayers sent to her for strength. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Kerry, What a frustrating time for you and your Mom! I know this is tough. I echo everyone's sentiments on getting everything checked out. My mom has a pretty complex medical history, but we've been so focused on the canncer part of it for the last 6 months that we sometimes forget there is more to her physically. She's lucky to have you advocating for her and pushing for answers. I hope you find some soon. Let us know how it works out. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Keep pushing for answers is great advice. And when you get them, let me know! I think that many of us who have had aggressive chemo rad. have the same lingering symptoms as your mom. I am often weak and require assistance for any sort of walking distance. Everyday is different. I now had the talc procedure and hope to regain some strength. I have damaged lung tissue, pnuemonitis and lots of fibrosis. I require prednisone to keep the inflammation down which does nothing for my muscles. They have and are continuing to waste away. Which puts a bigger load on my heart and lungs...viscious cylce. These are some of the thoughts on my poor old body.. mostly right, maybe some wrong. But, your mom is not alone, that is for sure. It takes a lot of mental efforts and practicing hopeful thinking to keep trudging along. Muddling through. I continue to remain hopeful that eventually, I will get my strength and breath back. Hang in there! And if you find out what the deal is with you mom, please let me know!!! love, Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 Cindi is right, press the docs for answers in a firm but kind way. something is not right. several have suggestions of things to check on. praying for her and you. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Kerry, I just wanted to add my support and encouragement for finding some answers for your mom! I hope and trust she'll pull out of this, once you know where it's coming from. I know with my mom's various and sundry post-op complications, we've learned not to let anything 'go by' without a very thorough investigation. keep us posted. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 It may also be the Tarceva. I was on it for 6 months and it made me very, very tired. Check with your doctor and see if the dosage is right or if he may need to reduce the dosage. TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wbuchmiller Posted September 13, 2005 Share Posted September 13, 2005 That is the same thing that is happening to me. I am 52, Stage IIIB, had surgery, chemo, and radiation but nothing else for over a year and a half. All scans are clear, but I am getting weaker and weaker daily. The dr's do not know why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenl Posted September 13, 2005 Share Posted September 13, 2005 Kerry, I hope you get some answers soon. Please keep us posted... Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darci Posted September 13, 2005 Share Posted September 13, 2005 I am sorry to hear that your mom is having such a decline...I hope that you get some answers and some help soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 I am so sorry. My prayers are with you. Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Kerry, I am so sorry that your mother is going through such tough times right now. I will say a prayer that things will improve. Like others have already said, keep trying to find a reason for this decline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Folks, If you'll read Kerry's signature line it appears that her Mother passed away on September 22. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted September 27, 2005 Share Posted September 27, 2005 oh no! that came out of no where and is shocking to me. the poor thing (Kerry). I trust her mom's suffering is over. Kerry, I am so, so sorry. xoxo bunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma's kid Posted September 27, 2005 Share Posted September 27, 2005 Gentle hugs, Kerry...I am so sorry Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted September 27, 2005 Share Posted September 27, 2005 Kerry,I'm so sorry to read that your mom has passd over. I can see this $%$@*^% cancer has really taken it's toll on your family. Please accept my condolences, this is heartbreaking. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.