Worried

[PerfectBlue]

Hi! It's me again. I hope everyone is well. My father has a stage 3A lung cancer and under went lobectomy followed by 6 cycles of chemo therapy, the last session was June 2018. After the chemo he had a episode of exacerbation in July and was confine from Dec 1 to 8 due to Pneumonia and PTB. He is currently on anti TB drugs but needed to discontinue for awhile because his SGPT is high at 127 (45 normal value). He is taking silymarin capsules (milk thistle) to balance his liver enzyme and will be checked again on the 28th of January if SGPT is good. While he was taking anti TB drugs most of his symptoms are not bothering him but today he has wheezing episode though aside from that he is said he feels ok. He inhaled symbicort (inhaler with local steroids) and nebulized himself. I listened to his back and heard very light wheezing on the lower left of his back. I gave him a minute of back tapping to loosen up. I am just worried because earlier I went to the hospital to pay a visit to my friend's mother who is also suffering from Lung CA she is unconsious now due to a stroke complication. Do you guys think that I carried microorganisms from the hospital? I washed my hand and rubbed some alcohol before going home. I also did not go home directly after the visit and had dinner first with a friend. I am sorry thinking this way but his Pneumonia last Dec 1 was diagnosed thru CT scan after I visited a Pneumonia patient but I did washed hands and rubbed some alcohol also. Was that a coincident? Any opinion will be apprexiated. Thank you very much in advance.

[2greys]

You are being much to quick to blame yourself. The Pneumonia infection could have come from numerous sources and I think that hospital acquired Pneumonia is not at all uncommon. Please be kinder on yourself, it is more than likely not your fault at all and quite a few lobectomy patients do run the risk of getting Pneumonia.

[Soul01 in reply to 2greys]

PerfectBlue, do not be so tough on yourself. I went from being strong, healthy, no meds, to pneumonia, empyema and TB. I also had lung surgery.

It is highly unlikely that you passed anything on. People with compromised immune systems tend to pick up these things.

It sounds like you are providing wonderful care. Make sure you pace yourself and have time for you. I hope you are getting support from friends/family.

[PerfectBlue in reply to Soul01]

Thank you very much, there are times that I cannot really expect for full support, cause I am the one taking care of them -my mother can no longer handle physical and emotional stress though she gives her full support the best way she can and I am also taking care of my brother who is suffering from schizo affective disorder though he also shows support in his own ways. 2 sisters abroad show support also but sometimes I need physical presence. I got friends too and this site which is very helpful and comforting. Thanks again and yeah good vibes for all of us.

[PerfectBlue in reply to 2greys]

Thank you very much, You guys right, and thank you for reminding to be kinder on myself. Wishing you good health! Will stay positive!

[Soul01]

PerfectBlue There might be a local carers organisation who can offer support as well as BLF and Macmillan. Make sure you talk to people as it really does make a difference. You can even get a Carer’s assessment from social services to look at your needs.

[judg69]

PerfectBlue, you are doing a great job caring for your father . All you can do is what you are already doing as to general cleanliness, sterility and alcohol wipes. Suggest you also get signed into the Lung Cancer support group on this same help site. By the way , 7 years ago after being diagnosed with stage IIIA/B lung cancer, I also had maximum lung radiation, 2 years chemo and a lobectomy removal of my top right lung lobe. I am still alive and kicking ( well, mostly anyway). You are a great help to your father and again suggest you also become a member on the HealthUnlocked LungCancer forum. All Best Wishes, judg69

[PerfectBlue in reply to judg69]

Thank you so much, i feel so motivated because of your story. Wishing u well and thank you from the Philippines

[Caspiana]

My dear PerfectBlue .

Everyone has given you excellent advice and encouragement. You are a marvellous person who has so much on their plate at this moment in your life. It is so easy to get lost in caring for others and losing perspective on who you are and how deserving you are of love and support yourself. Be gentle and kind with yourself. Gently accept your humanness. *hug*

Sending warm, happy wishes,

Cas xx 🌹🌷🌼🍀🌸

[PerfectBlue]

Thank you so much, maybe i just need words like that once in awhile to keep me goin' and stay positive. Thank you for the goodvibes. Huggs from the Philippines

[Ergendl]

What a comfort you are to your father and other family members. You're doing all the right things so don't feel guilty - maybe you're just tired caring for so many others. Hugs and prayers.

[PerfectBlue in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you so much , all the words of encouragement here really recharged me in many ways mentally and emotionally , wishing you wellness too. Hugs back...