Judy-OK Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Teri ... since you mentioned tht Bill is often experiencing being short of breath "SOB" I am wondering if he could perhaps need oxygen available for use. If his blood oxygen level drops below 90 for any length of time then that can certainly add to his being tired and miserable. struggling to breath will wear him out for sure. I know some folks that need oxygen while they sleep because we tend to breath more shallow when we are asleep. I know you already have a million questions on the plate that you are trying to juggle but we are all digging deep and trying to help Bill. I am praying for you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 Thanks Judy. We brought that up twice to our doctor (once this week), and he keeps saying that in Bill's case -- because of the compression causing the SOB -- it won't really help. Only the tumor shrinking will. It seems weird to me. I was very surprised to know that you can't even get an emergency oxygen package without a prescription (I tried). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Hi Teri, I hope the radiation has Bill feeling better soon. I hate that you guys have to deal with this setback. Take care, Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowergirlie Posted May 5, 2007 Share Posted May 5, 2007 My understanding is that radiating the lungs can be a tremendous help with SOB. I am sorry you both are going through this as I know how hard and trying it is. Peace and comfort to you both. Flowergirlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted May 5, 2007 Share Posted May 5, 2007 It's really not uncommon to NOT need oxygen. And if it is the tumor causing this disruption, then that is the culpurt.(Damnit)! I'm going to still hope that the topotecan can and will continue to shrink that bugger. It can happen!!! I am going to keep my fingers and toes crossed for the topotecan in that it could still jump up to the plate and do it's stuff. In the mean time, I sure wish there was something I could say or do to make this journey for you two just a little bit softer and a lot more positive. It's not over until the fat lady sings. I'm fat and I'm not singing. Your both in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiesia Posted May 5, 2007 Share Posted May 5, 2007 Teri, Unfortunately if the tumor is compressing the main bronchus, oxygen will really not help. But there might be other problems with the lungs adding to SOB and for those oxygen could help. Have you tried to get oxygen compressor ? My father was using one and it helped him. You should not need a prescription for those and they can even be borrowed. My father's doctor did not recommend oxygen either but we feel that it helped my father. Did the doctor discuss putting a stent into the bronchus ? That is another thing to keep in mind. Is it really compression or is there infiltration of the airways as well ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dscherer Posted May 5, 2007 Share Posted May 5, 2007 Teri, I am new here but I wanted yo to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. Continue to fight and continue to have faith. I pray that the radiation helps. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted May 5, 2007 Share Posted May 5, 2007 I am hoping for some major shrinkage so Bill can get some relief. Radiation really helped get John's tumor off his vena cava and he felt much better -- tell Bill we're thinking of him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted May 5, 2007 Author Share Posted May 5, 2007 Thanks everyone. Yes, there is definitely compression. The MRI report specifically stated that. Just hoping he can get started with the radiation next week, but I know there's some juggling with the chemo schedule. Other than the symptoms, he's definitely feeling a bit better and being more active, so I'm very thankful for that. Thanks for all your support and suggestions... Teri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted May 5, 2007 Share Posted May 5, 2007 I'm glad Bill is feeling better, and I just have to say that's an awesome picture of him and that adorable pooch! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeye Posted May 7, 2007 Share Posted May 7, 2007 Hi Teri, Wanted to add that my Mom responded very quickly to the radiation causing compression and SOB. It was quite amazing to watch the large visible mass on her neck shrink daily. I'm sure your husband will get the same quick results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 Teri, That's good news, Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daddyslittlegirl Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 I'm sorry you two are going through this. I really pray that the radiation gives him fast relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted May 11, 2007 Author Share Posted May 11, 2007 Just a quick update to let you all know that Bill FINALLY started radiation this afternoon (actually, this evening). He will have 17 sessions in all. Not sure how long it takes to work, but hoping and praying it does the job and does it quickly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary colleen Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Me too, Teri. You'll both be in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockeyma Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Teri and Bill, All the best with the radiation treatment. Hopefully the chemo can be kept up with too. And....keep writing - both of you - you are a fabulous team. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharonjo Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Terri, I'm keeping you and Bill in my thoughts and prayers. Hope the radiation works wonders for Bill. It did the trick for my brother. God Bless, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Everything crossed here, nothing but positive thoughts. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenlaureti Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 I am sending many, many prayers your way!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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