BernadetteH

BernadetteH's Recent CancerCompass Activity

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  I'm sure there is a wide range of years lived with stage 4 and expect there really isn't any way to accurately answer  your question.  With stage 3 the chances were about 50/50 that I would live five years with or without chemo.  There is no way to "know" about life expectancy to the best of my knowledge.  I hope your grandmother has enjoyed the past four years and is comfortable to the end of her...

  April 05 at 11:51 PM view post

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  I'm sorry this is so stressful but based on your description it does sound as though your Mom had a very difficult time with her treatment and it is likely she might not tolerate new procedures well either.  I am 72 and although I did not have too much difficulty following my colon surgery I pesonally chose not to do chemo.  My 52 year old RN daughter was with me when I was evaluated by the head of Oncology...

  April 05 at 11:38 PM view post

• BernadetteH has created a new message board discussion

  Evidently due to straining myself a hernia popped up at my navel.  Although it didn't hurt...it scared me, lol.  I did go to see my surgeon and he said "this is not uncommon but do call if you develop pain or discomfort and I'll repair it with just an overnight stay".  I am no longer trying to exercise (except for walking) as I fear abdominal strain.  I'm just wondering if anyone else has had thi...

  March 10 at 5:20 PM view discussion

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  I am fairly new to this arena so I don't have the answer for you or for anyone.  I did personal research and found a path that I have chosen for myself.  My hope is that at the end of the road I still feel confident in my choices. One thing that seems to be apparent is that the MDs often do not identify the nearing of the end.  I'm not sure whether it is to keep the patient's hopes up or whether it is...

  January 27 at 7:00 PM view post

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  I'm so sorry for your loss.  Unfortunately I have no experience that allows me to offer advice.  I am aware, however, that there are "steps" to grief that help people recognize that what they are experiencing is the normal progression for dealing with a painful loss.  Perhaps you could enter "grief steps" or something similar into the search engine of your computer and find comforting information. ...

  January 27 at 6:37 PM view post

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  Just want to send you a hug.  the focus in my household is my cancer.  Otoh, my DH may pass away first due to his cardiac problems.  It's confusing and heartbreaking.  I have not BTDT but my support is flyding to  you via cyberspace.  Bernadette

  January 24 at 12:25 AM view post

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  Yeah, I know this is skipping a post subject.  Sorry...chalk it up to old age.  All of a sudden I am reading "anti wheat bread" entires on the internet.  What to heck is wrong with wheat?  I gave up white bread and switched to wheat thinking I was making a wise choide.  Not????????  Bernadette

  January 24 at 12:18 AM view post

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  First, lol, I must say that I am not an expert.  I don't even know if the changes I have made are "proven" to help.  Otoh, I am making a great effort to eat "organic".  Why?  Well, based on my reading it is in my best interests to avoid additives, hormones, artificial colors and preservatives.  I live in a fairly small down in the South and truthfully I have been delighted to find in my local...

  January 24 at 12:05 AM view post

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  Also I forgot to offer some info that for me was very helpful.  I am a wimp!  It is possible to get "pills" in lieu of drinking scads of thick liquids.  Obviously it is not fun having to empty your body contents in prep for the test but for me it was much much easier to swallow big pills to prepare for the colonoscopy.  At least where I live it is common for patients to be handed an Rx for thick l...

  January 03 at 10:33 PM view post

• BernadetteH has replied to a post on the message board

  I strongly agree that you need to get an Rx for anxiety.  You have my sympathy as most of us have had fear before the testing but OTOH I have raised eight teens and your son is going on an emotional rollercoaster with you ...and he is at the most stressful time of his life.  Do it for him w/o delay and I'm sure it will help you greatly also.  Bernadette

  January 03 at 3:15 PM view post