Mom started to feel unwell last weekend - after experiencing stomach pains and muscle spams.
Oncology office scheduled an emergency appointment for Tuesday with the doctor himself (rather than the PA). Doc did mention it could be chemo related stomach problems (which he was going to refer her to a specialist) or it could be the beast - Emergency CT scan was issued for Thursday.
By Thursday - mom was bloating - so I think we all knew subconsciously what it was; however, she did do the CT Scan.
Friday - Oncology called - requesting mom to go to the ER to get drained. They said the CT scan was too blurry to tell exactly (likely due to the liquid); however there is 'something' around the stomach lining. ER went surprisingly well (considered when she originally went for bloating pre-diagnosis - she left after 4 hours of not being seen; as they believed it was "just a stomach bug"). Ended up getting bloods, port accessed, emergency draining, and fluids all within 4 hours. Plus side of it all, is mom is feeling much better and bloods were stable enough to come home!
The ladies up in radiology were so lovely. Mom was worried she'd be feeling uncomfortable by my graduation (the 28th). Kendall the lovely doctor up there, told her to call them personally rather than going through the ER or Oncology for a drain, and she'd make sure they could squeeze her in. Such a kind soul.
Got an appointment with oncology next Tuesday, likely to do some more tests (perhaps schedule a biopsy) then figure out the chemo game plan. Thinking it will likely be Doxil (caelyx) and I'm hoping to advocate for Avastin as well (though US insurance company's tend to not like to pay for it).
We are of course upset by the news; but are coping well. We are very grateful that we were able to enjoy the last 6 months being ned, as not everyone even gets that. We are planning to indulge on some comfort food (primarily pastas and wines) - before getting back on the treatment grind.
Hope everyone else is doing well,
Kris x.
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kristinaapril
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Hi Kris, Sorry to hear mum will have to go back on chemo I just would like to say that I've had quite a bit of Caelyx with good results, it can be hard but manageable if she does go on Caelyx I hope it give her good results as it did for me .. Keep in touch take care Lorraine xx
My understanding is that if you are going for a combo with Avastin then Taxol is the preferred choice for outcome. I am terribly bloated no fluid just steroids. No surprise really as I am constantly craving sweet things. Hopefully once the dose is lower I will be back on my high protein low fat. Instead of high protein high sugar. I’m like a junky
Try not to be upset. It’s all about today not tomorrow
I hope your mom gets the treatment she needs and feels well soon. It is so nice she got 6 months of Ned. It's tough watching our mom's go through this stuff, not knowing what's around the corner. Hang in there, hope your mom feels well soon. All the best.
Sorry to hear that the beast is back. Hope your mum get a treatment plan in place soon. What a lovely nurse to tell your mum to go through her if need be. I really hope she does not have to and you all have a lovely day celebrating your graduation. Xxx
Hi Kris, sorry you were only need 6 months, please insist on IP chemotherapy now. Its expensive but its worth it. UK doesn't seem to do it as regular protocol. You still get IV chemo but along with it you get IP intraperitinel chemotherapy. Goes into stomach cavity. Around organs kind of coats them. I've been cancer free 4 yrs. It really works.❤❤Liz
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What a first day back
It’s back!
Back and abdominal pain post chemo.
