Ppc

On 8/14/2008 momof3boys wrote:

 

On 8/7/2008 6murphys wrote:

Hi Michelle

Just read your post and wanted to let you know that I am sort of in the same situation. My husband is in the Navy and we live in Mississippi. My mother is in St. Louis Missouri. So we are quite a distance from each other. She was diagnosed with PPC stage IV back in April and is currently going through chemo treatments. She had her entire omentum removed in April along with her ovaries which by the way, the ovaries were clear of cancer. Her CA125 started at 701 and is down to 56 after 3 chemo treatments of Carbo/Taxol.  I talk to my mom daily and sometimes wonder if I, too, am hearing the "full" story.  I know that my mom does not like days when she feels bad but I think she just tries not to talk or think about it and it gets her through that day. She chose not to know her prognosis and I truly feel that it helps her keep high spirits. Although myself and my siblings know every detail going on, it seems like having my mom not know every little detail is helping her get through this tremendously. I've also learned to let the cancer patient express themselves when and if they want to. But I realize its hard to be so far away and not know what the heck is happening. It is hard to decide when talking to my mom, whether I want to ask her questions about her treatment or how she is feeling or just let her bring them up herself. If she is having a good day, I certainly don't want to start talking about this unbelievable disease.  My mom's attitude is this" I have cancer.... cancer does not have me."  And he seems to keep her going. I also keep in touch closely with my mom's nurse. Just a suggestion, but maybe you could do the same. And possibly, you will hear more about what is really going on with your mom and not have to wonder or wait to hear it from your siblings. Go straight to the source. I hope I have helped in some way. So glad your mom could make it to San Diego. My son and I are heading to San Diego next week for a little trip. My mom has a trip to Canada planned for the end of August but so far her doctor has not given her the Okay. We're crossing our fingers.

Take care

Kate 

Hi Kate,

     It does sound like our mothers are very much alike in the way they are dealing with the day to day.  My mom is fully aware of the prognosis though.  I think this second time around has freaked her out a bit.Although  she was in remission almost a year, we were all hoping for a lot longer and I think it shocked her.  Like " it really does come back".  It doesn't help that she has been having a hard time with the topetecan she is getting.  The first time she had it her white blood count was almost nil...she could have died. She was due to have it on the 11th but they couldn't due it because of the white bllod count being too low still.  So she is getting a shot of procrit ( i believe) everyday in an effort to get it up.   I am worried because she needs the chemo to fight this thing and now she can't have it.  Hopefully by Monday she will be on track.  I would love to be able to speak to her nurse or Dr.but I'm not sure how to go about that.  I've never met any of them or been to appointments with her.  I don't know if they would give me any info.  Plus I would probably have to ask her permission and I'm trying to pretend I'm not totally freaking out...which I am.  Now I'm scared of the chemo AND the cancer.  I'm so afraid that there will be some drastic turn for the worst...and I can't let her feel that.  Thanks for the message.  Hope your mother makes her trip to Canada.

Take care,

 Michelle

  HI Michelle

Just got back from San Diego and read your message. I hope this message finds you and your mom doing well.  I have read on several message boards on this web page about people who are chemo resistant. Sounds like there are other options but I don't quite understand it all or know anything about it.  My mom's oncologist has never mentioned anything different than the carbo/taxol she is receiving but with the likelihood of a recurrence I hope he mentions these other options to her. She had an extremely bad reaction to her last chemo and did not even remember the day of chemo nor the next two days. She stayed with my sister for over a week, which she hadn't had to do with any of her other treatments. Some of these things they are giving our moms just seem so potent.  My mom's white blood cells have never been low but her platelets have. Nothing they can do about the platelets but I think there may be alot of foods your mom can eat to help with the white blood cells. You may be able to find some nutrition info on the web or at the cancer center. My mom is in Canada right now. She's been there since Saturday. My sister went with for half the week and came home yesterday. My mom is still there with my cousin. But my sister said my mom was doing great!!! Even did a little hiking. I know what you mean about being scared about all this. I'm not sure it has even really sunk in yet with me. I cannot imagine what life would be without my mom. I hope our moms are the exception. There is no reason why they can't be. Stay strong for your mom and keep in touch.

Take care

Kate