Dear Lisa,
I am glad you found this list and shared your mom's history with PPC. My heart goes out to you and your mom. The posts here are such a gift, a wonderful source of support. I hope you will find some comfort as you continue to read the messages and share your journey with us.
You mentioned that exposure to oxygen can make cancer cells spread. I'd never heard this before. Can you please explain?
Just this morning, I was reading about some alternative cancer therapy that brings oxygen to the cells (I think). The website also warned that alternative and conventional therapy should not be mixed because they often contradict each other. One really needs to be careful when deciding what is best with so much conflicting information out there. It is nearly a full time job trying to find reliable information.
Wow, Lisa, what an example your mom is of rising above the odds and surviving in spite of what others said. Yes, it is really challenging to know what steps are best and how to help your loved one maintain some quality of life with all the fighting this cancer entails. I know how difficult it is to find information, then determine what is trustworthy, balancing options of conventional and alternative therapy. All I can say is do your best and please remember to take great care of yourself while you are supporting your mom. I hope you find the answers you need to help your mom decide what route to take.
My mother was diagnosed with PPC at the end of March 2007 after not feeling well (and many tests and doctor visits) since the previous fall. She had surgery ten days
later, and completed chemo #5 yesterday. As you know, it's been quite a whirlwind for my family. The hardest part for my mother is that she is used to living a very busy, active life, with lots of travel, attending meetings all over the country. Right now, she must do whatever is necessary to fight this cancer. It's been hard for her not being able to "plan" for the future.
We love her gynecologic oncologist and are so grateful for the care she is receiving. I know not everyone is so fortunate. However, my mother is beginning to realize the
chemo is hard on her body. This is making her somewhat depressed, worrying about what's ahead, as well as reminding me of the reality of this
disease.
I'm doing my best to eat healthy food and start to go on short
walks with my mother because I believe lifestyle factors play a role in
boosting the immune system and fighting the cancer, along with positive
thinking, minimizing stress (easier said than done!), and releasing
emotions. I recently started some therapy myself because of the role I'm playing as a caregiver trying to balance my own needs with those of my mother (and others).
I'd love to hear advice from others in terms of lifestyle
factors that seem to help during chemo as well as once a person goes into remission,
which I hope my mother will enter soon.
Hugs to all of you,
Kristi