5 Month Update Aussie Mum

Hi guys!

Just an update on my mum's condition since diagnosis in September 2007 See story below for more detials:

Since diagnosis she's had 6 sessions of chemotherapy. CT scan shows decrease in size of esophagus tumour BUT one of the several cysts in her liver has doubled in size, so doctors have put her on anoth 6 weeks of chemo with breaks in between. I need some advice, she is having so much pain on her liver side of her stomach. There is a small lump almost like a pimple and also another lump that you can feel on her upper abdomen. Its very painful for her and we dont know how to get rid of the pain. The pain meds are not working. I'm so so worried for her. Is anyone experiencing the same thing? Your advice would be very much appreciated.

 sydoz

 Subject: New to Esophagel Cancer------------------------
Date: 09/09/2007

I wish I could answer your questions, but never having mets to the liver, I just don't know.  I do know that with this disease, you MUST take your pain meds before you get in pain.  In other words take as directed.  You have to get in front of the pain, not chase it to get relief.  Pressure your doctor for answers, call him/her about the pimple or the bump that you see.  You deserve answers and if you don't get the ones that satisfy you, seek another opinion.  My daughter works for my primary doctor and she says that our health care is our decision not anyone else's and to ask questions until we are satisfied that everything that can be done is being done.  I will remember you in my prayers.  Keep posting so that we can know what is happening with you and your loved one.  God Bless You!!!

  

thanks for ur response! the doctor already fel the lumps and because i didnt come up on the CT scan he said it was probably nothing. we dont know why its causing so much pain though. mum hasnt been regular for almost 6 days. does anyone know if thats ok? its probably the cause of the pains shes having.

 

This illness causes depression, couple that with constant pain and worry about the over all situation, I remember my children telling me that I wasn't the same person during that period of my life.  Some days you just feel so hopeless, but you must keep her moving, keep her nutrition and her spirits up.  My daughter was a cheer leader in high school and I know thats what she and my two sons felt like during my illness.  My husband was the drill sargeant, he would come in with this food that smelled terrible and insist that I eat one bite.  Eventually I could stomach cold food better and now I can eat anything. Just small amounts.  Please continue to post, I check the website every day, know that my prayers are with you and everyone on this board.  

Gerri

hi thanks heaps for your reply. so what stage were you when diagnosed? and how long did it take you to get better?

I was between stage two and three.  I had one lymph node out of thirteen involved, so it was a little higher than stage two.  My surgery was April 2, 2004.  I have really done well.  I was 64, I am a female and I weighed 139 at Dx.  I lost down to 106 and am now back up to 116 (most days).  I am a Human Resource director for a small company off 250 employees and I am working everyday and  feeling very good.  This process takes a long healing time and I really did not feel well for about a year.  Of course I had chemo and radiation that sucked the life out of me, but saved my life in the process.  My esophageal cancer was squamous cell.  Then in 2007 I had adenocarcinoma of the uterus and had to have surgery again in March.  One cancer had nothing to do with the other.  This last cancer was stage one and no chemo or rad.  So you can see I have had a double whammy!!!!  Still I am grateful and feel wonderful.  Went to see my gyno doctor yesterday and he said things just could not be any better.  I wish you good luck, good health, and warm hugs for you and your loved one.