Am I to Realistic? Help!

[Marymac4441]

Just to remind you all, I'm stage 4 lung cancer non small cell who just started Opdivo. Couldn't have surgery so have been treated with radiation/chemo, tried targeted medication but bad side effects so was pulled off. Radiation and chemotherapy worked for a few months but in October 2017 Dr. said cancer was progressing (I also read scans so saw what he was telling me). I don't want any more chemo due to bad chemo fog. So after lengthy process, right before doctor retired in late December he got Opdivo approved. However due to pass treatment, my right lung is basically kaput. I've also have brain cancer which right now is ok just scar tissue (the doctor thinks). But have to have scan every two months to confirm not new ones and it is just scar tissue. In October doctor told me if Opdivo works it could extend my life a couple years. If not maybe I got a year. Here is my current dilemma. Got call last night from best girlfriend. She just got email from the Ellen Show in LA (I live in Omaha Nebraska). This outing was on our bucket list before I got cancer. She was so excited. Let's go, she said. We can fly to Las Vegas first then to LA. The trip will be in May. My husband overheard conversation and also got excited. He said tell her Yes you will go for she needed to email the Ellen Show back right away. So I said well depending upon what my doctor says, ok I guess. What was I suppose to do? But what happened is crazy. I can't even stand for 10 minutes on my feet without needing to sit down. I currently spend my life reading or watching TV. I sleep in a recliner for I can't breathe good laying flat. I don't know how I will be feeling in May. I have learned to live one day at a time. I don't even think about a future anymore. What should I do? What do I do when she wants to book airline tickets? Help .Thanks.

[Jenni_wegner2617]

I would definitely go! You deserve it!!! Have fun!

[Patsykealoha in reply to Jenni_wegner2617]

I encourage you to see an herbalist/nutritionist...I did with my brain tumor. I did not want to go through another craniotomy again. You see, there are oriental mushrooms & what they do is close the blood vessels to tumors. Therefore... they shrink, because they aren't getting the nourishment to grow.

No hormones or antibiotics in your food. Nutritionist can guide you. Also, these mushrooms build up your immune system &....No side affects.. consult ....& check it out!..........Blessings to You..

[litoreggie in reply to Patsykealoha]

Are you using turkey tail or Chaga mushrooms?

[GMC1 in reply to litoreggie]

I am interested in anything natural. Please let me know more about the mushrooms.

[Ncpoet]

Mary, go ahead and plan to go. Don’t put your life on hold. Have something to look forward to. If too tired to walk, then rent a wheelchair. I came back from cardiac arrest in 2014. Was in a wheelchair after that for months due to fall and broken ankle. Not ideal but you can still go. Diagnosed in 2013 with NSC stage 4. I was told I had maybe 18 months. That was over 4 years ago. I also watched TV alot. It helped distract when I couldn’t do anything else. I also did a lot of coloring. It is a very calming activity. Now I hardly ever turn TV on. Enjoy reading. Romans 12:12

Be patient with yourself. It takes time but believe you can do it.

[bellaella]

so sorry that you are not feeling well. please thank your friend for trying to arrange a wonderful trio, but, you are not feeling well enough for such a huge undertaking. I remember those days. it used to scare me when people thought I could physically do more than I could because I was ashamed to say I couldn..'t do what they were asking. please save your strength for family events at home. may you be blessed. I am a survivor 12 years,

[Chrmob608]

Plan it. Something to look forward to. My husband and I planned barrio to New Orleans first week of Oct. We went, used a walker, rested alot. Best trip we ever had. He is now under hospice care, but we have those memories. Live every moment to the fullest. Prayers for you in your battle with this horrid disease.

[Feelingblessed2013]

If there is any way humanly possible to go, I say go. If you can't walk very much, rent/borrow a wheelchair. If you are walking but not steady, get a walker. Don't put you life on hold. We all know that nothing in life is guaranteed, you could step off the curb tomorrow and get hit by a bus. We also know that doctors are people not gods, they can't tell us with any certainty how long we have.

So again I say, if there is any way possible, go. Enjoy yourself, have a great time. I think that if you can go and don't, you will probably wish you had.

[anrean]

Marymac, what about planning to go but also having someone else ready to take your place if you cannot go at the last minute? Inform the Ellen show of your needs and ask if they can help you get there. Inform the airlines that you will need transportation once you arrive, inform the hotel that you will need extra pillows to stay upright, Get all your needs met before you embark on this trip. That way if you can go, everything is in place. If you can't, someone else is in the wings to take your place. Most of all, I would tell the Ellen Show what you need - they are great at making sure guests can be there! This is your bucket list - do everything possible to go, but also be ready to not and have someone else take your place.

Lauri-Anne

[Marymac4441 in reply to anrean]

Thanks so much!

[anrean in reply to Marymac4441]

Marymac, I talked to a friend about your situation and she strongly suggested you let Ellen know what you are facing - apparently Ellen will move Heaven and earth to get you there and also get you the things you need!

I pray this is true and you can go!! Can't wait to hear how it goes!!

Lauri-Anne

[Ruthie1950]

Only you can make that judgement call. If you feel now that you’re not physically able to go, then thank your friend but don’t go.

If your friend contacts the show and gives them your story, they may be able to get you and your friend there sooner.

I pray you start to feel stronger soon.

[Jenniferroseolson]

engage the help of Palliative Care professionals who can help you manage your symptoms, side effects, pain and more to enable you to travel. Let Ellen know your circumstances and I am sure she can help on her end as well. Don’t live for chemo or opdivo or other treatments. Those are tools for you to live well with cancer..tools to help you go to the Ellen show or other bucket list experiences. Best wishes

[FtB_Peggy]

Wonderful advice everyone! Marymac, I agree - plan to go, get all the help you can, and then see what happens! Hugs to you.

[Marymac4441 in reply to FtB_Peggy]

Thanks as always!

[Jewilliams]

Go

[Glynn2890]

Do it! Plan for the best!! Good luck!!!