It all starts tomorrow for Mom

[Knotmeg]

I've posted a few times and all of you have been so supportive.  I've told my mom and dad how much I've learned from this site... and how comforting reading your posts and your replies have been for me.  Just last week your responses to my question "chronic....in terms of diagnosis" were so helpful...and help me relax a little.  


Tomorrow we go with my mom to get her port put in and to discuss the outcomes/results/status after her surgery 4 weeks ago.  She's very scared and so are we.... BUT... we're lacing up our boxing gloves and ready for a fight.  Chemo starts on Thursday...1st round.  I saw her chemo meds but I'm not postive on all of them...carboplatin (sp?) taxol (??)... I need to write all of these down so I can continue to do the research.

I hope my mom doesn't suffer too much from the effects of Chemo.  Yesterday she had her hair cut super short (think Jamie Lee Curtis) and she's afraid ... saying "i dont want them to hurt me again... im afraid of the pain".... so I'm worried.

This isn't a question... I'm just chatting..venting...voicing my fears.

Thanks for listening.
Meg

[crecco]

Know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers also. Yes it is a scary road but i know that your mom will do just fine and she has wonderful support in you. Tell her that we are thinking of her and wishing her the best.
    Chris

[silver&gold]

Sending best wishes to your mum and family .

Take care Angie

[dian07]

The first step is the hardest, but...after the first step is finally taken the second and the third follow naturally.  None of this is easy.  Remember no question is a silly question.  Also, there were times I had questions or needed something for pain or sleep or nausea...I called my oncology team and always got immediate attention and my problem was solved.  Your mom doesn't need to suffer from nausea....make certain she has medication for that ahead of time (on top of the usual oral meds for nausea, my compounding pharmacist mixed up a cream for me to apply to my wrists and the nausea was gone immediately allowing me to take the oral meds)....I was unable to sleep so I got something for that......I had terrible pain from the Neulasta injections I got after each chemo (not eveybody racts te same to this stuff.....it helps the reproduction of white bloos cells...thus the bone pain) so I got something for pain.  Just don't let her suffer in silence.....even with all these meds I had days where I didn't get out of bed except to go to the bathroom....there were days I didn't have energy to sit up on the couch so I slouched on the carpet with pillows and blankets to watch television.  I did what I could when I could.....days like the ones I just spoke of lasted only a few days after chemo.......seems like the strength returned in plenty of time to repeat my chemo....yeahhhh!!!!!!  With each treatment I had one less to look forward to ......when I got done with my third treatment I knew I was on my way downhill because half of the treatments were behind me!  That was a milestone.
Keep comming back with your questions or just to talk....please let your mom and dad know we are here for them....we really do care.
Stay in touch and give your mom a hug from me!
Peace.
dian

[kimmywah]

I would like to send my love and prayers to your Mum and her family.  You are a very loving and supportive daughter.
So.....good vibes are coming to you from way down here in NZ.  Strength and love be with you...

Kia kaha
Arohanui
Kim

[marie3B]

The best advice I can give is to have her take advantage of the anti-nausea meds. If the ones she is given don't keep her from feeling sick, call and have the doc try a different one. The one that helped me most was Emend. I also was given Zofran and Ativan. Ativan I rarely needed, but it was good to have it on hand in case I had trouble sleeping. Also, remember to keep her drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice.  I am sorry she has to go through this, but it is obvious she has loving support. I hope this goes well for her.   Marie

[dawnlyn]

I am sending postive thoughts your way.  I will keep you, your mom and family in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care,
Dawnlyn

[msjazz]

I hope everyting goes well. Tell your mom we are thinking about her.   Donna

[learninboutlife]

Hi Meg,
I'll keep you and your parents in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Sending positive and healing thoughts her way -- and strength and comfort yours. Take care.
Hugs,
Fran