Expectations

Hi:

First, thank you for your advice, thoughts and prayers.  Will take as much as I can get.

It's been two weeks since I took Ma back to the ER and a month since this all started.  It seems we are in a holding pattern, but I guess they will make a decision this week about whether to go back in and repair the re-sectioned bowel or not.  The doctor says it depends on how well she is healing.  Today was a good day and the wound did not leak so much.  Yesterday wasn't such a good day and they had to change her about every hour.  Her temperature, white cell count, bp and such are all under control.  She is still on broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, morphine and TPN.

She has started to bleed vaginally and the dr. says it is to be expected.   Expected by whom?  I certainly didn't know to expect it, my mother certainly didn't know to expect it.  I know we certainly didn't expect her to lay in the hospital for a month with a healing bowel but yet, here we are.

My question is:  Where can I find information on "what to expect".  I've read everything on the internet, most of which is word for word from the previous website I looked at.  I don't need to know what the symptoms are or when I should go to the doctor or what cm a certain tumor is at what stage.  We are past all of that.  What I need to know is what new things may or may not crop up.  I would like to know what to expect before it happens as opposed to as it is happening and someone telling me..."oh yeah, that's to be expected".  I know the coarse of this disease is different for most everyone, but is there a guideline, book or website that would help?

My mother still has not had any sort of debulking surgery or chemotherapy.  They are still 'letting the bowel heal itself'.  The doctor did mention something about her going into chemotherapy with or without the surgery.  Time seems to be running out.

I am extremely frustrated.

Thank you.

[msjazz]

I know this is frustrating to you. I don't think with the infection they will do the chemo. The chemo drops your red and white counts, and plateletes for some. The platelets can cause bleeding, and the white cell lowers resistence to infection. I hope this resolves soon and your mom can get her treatment. Sorry I can't help you more.