Rough Night Last Night

Hello Everybody, I guess I just need to vent a little after a rough night. My poor husband was on his last night of Temodar and I don't think I have ever seen him so sick, it absolutely broke my heart. He has been on the Temodar for 12 months now and it sure isn't getting any easier for him. By the fifth day, he is absolutely wiped out and sick. He was having extreme muscle cramps in his arms and legs, nausea, or in his words, "I have never, ever felt this sick in my life." All I could do was massage his muscles, rub his head, and try to give as much comfort as possible, but it is a pretty helpless feeling. Every month he swears that he is going to discontinue treatment because of the side effects, but thankfully by the next month he musters up the courage to carry on. He knows that it is obviously working because he has had no regrowth, but it doesn't make things any easier for him. We go for his MRI next Wednesday, January 18th, so we are keeping our fingers, legs, toes, and everything else crossed hoping for good news once again. Okay, I feel a little better now. I hope everyone is okay. Take care,

Fondly,
Patty

I know how difficult it can be to watch a loved one suffer and I also know what it is like to be the loved one who is suffering. My brother had cancer and suffered immensely before he passed away. I have cancer and have suffered through a lot of chemotherapy and radiation but I am thrilled to be alive and my cancer has stabilized enough for me to be off of chemo for three months. The side effects of chemo can be brutal but can also give you a chance to enjoy life and be with your family and friends. I have prayed to God to help your husband through the side effects. You may want to contact Cancer Treatment Centers of America to see if they could help your husband with his side effects. They have a multi-faceted approach to cancer treatments. I have had cancer for almost three years now and I am glad to be alive and living life.
Sincerely, Kathy Shupp

God bless you for being there for your husband. You do not know how much that means to us as the patients to have that loving support. Hang in there! You are really doing a great job.

Cindy

Dear Patty,
I am so sorry to hear that Russ' last night of Temodar this cycle was so rough on him. Have you had a chance to check with his oncologist to see if there are other medications or additional medications that could help alleviate some of the side effects for him? Is he taking at least 16 mg of Zofran one hour before taking the Temodar, along with the Emend yet? I think you have written that Russ' Dr. has recommended that he be on Temodar for up to two years. I'm wondering if this regimen includes a brief break from chemotherapy for Russ at all? I don't know ...

Is Russ part of a clinical study? I am wondering this because I asked my dad's doctor about my dad taking the Temodar for more that six months, and he mentioned that this was the "typical" standard of care.

Russ is so fortunate to have you for his devoted wife and loving care provider so that you can massage his legs, rub his head, simply be there with him, etc.

I hope that Russ' MRI came back with good news. Perhaps, this positive report will enourage Russ to continue with the Temodar. Is Russ still working full-time and driving 200 miles a day? Would it be an option for him to cut back at work? Perhaps, he needs additional time to rest and recover each day.

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and Russ even if I don't have any good suggestions. Keeping you in my prayers too,
Rondi