I'm not a cancer survivor, sorry. My mom is ill.

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Manolox
Manolox Member Posts: 2
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi there. Sorry to interrupt if this is -as probably- only for cancer survivors.
If so, please dismiss my comment.
My mother, a clever, vital woman of 63, has been diagnosed a few weeks ago - today is October 28, 2011) with a grade III anaplastic astrocythome tumor on her brain. One day she was in her italian language class, and she had 2 brief episodes of "alalia". Could'nt speak clearly for a few seconds. That triggered the search, and the outcoming findings were sad.

She started with linear-accelerator treatment 2 weeks ago. My father -mostly- and I take turns to take her to the hospital to get 3 x 30" rays in her tumor.

I'm 39, a year ago I married my 9 years lovely girlfriend. Finally, we're expecting our firstborn -mom's 1st grandchild- in february.

Her condition has deteriorated a bit since. She has a slight tremor on her hand, and her speech is becoming difficult.

Now,

The doctors are reserved, they attend many people, so we get little information.
I know every case is different, but i'd like to ask a few questions if you don't mind,
about her condition:

- Can her condition be affected by the treatment? what I mean, are the rays affecing both the tumor and the brain zone -a delicate one, the elocuent zone-, so we have to assume her condition won't improve and that's a side effect of the tumor-slowing treatment?
- Is it more likely that the tumor hasn't receased despite the rays, so it's a downside way from now on?
- Basically, can we expect any improvement, or now is the moment to try to make a trip to a place she likes or something, because she'll only get weaker?
- Can I hold the hope of she taking in her arms her grandson, or should we keep our expectancies low on that matter?

Again I'm sorry if I don't belong in here. Seems like a knowledgeble place. Cheers and good luck to you all.

Manolo

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
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    Welcome Manolo
    First welcome to CSN, very sorry of hearing of your mother's condition.

    Also, this site is for anyone, but mainly survivors, and caregivers (such as yourself).....

    Caregivers are a huge asset to a survivors success and well being, never sell yourself short.

    You might get some replies here, but this is primarily for Head & Neck..usually throat and mouth cancers...

    Not saying that you aren't welcome, you definitely are.... But, there is a section on CSN devoted solely to Brain Cancer. You'll more than likely get much more benefit and response by posting in that section also if you haven't already.

    Thoughts and Prayers,
    John
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #3
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    Bain Cancer treatments
    Hi Manolo, welcome to the board. It sounds like you have read some of the messages here, so you've probably heard people say that tretment effects everyone a little different. I have a friend who got brain cancer at age 12, and she's twenty six now. Like your mom, she had radiation treatmenta to her head, and chemotherapy. You're mom will have a struggle with her treatment, but the hope is that she will get better with time. Her doctors are the only people who can tell you what to expect as she progresses. All of us were on the "downside" when we were being treated, but that's no reason to believe your mom won't get better. Like John said, your care and help in her recovery will be a great help for her.
    best, Hal
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #4
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    Hi Manolox
    I too welcome you here to CSN and so sorry to hear about your Mom. And do hope the treatment works and she gets better. I don’t know much about brain C but I do hope you get the answers you are looking for.

    Wishing you the best
    Hondo
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #5
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    praying
    Welcome Monolo to the site. I am a caretaker for my husband who has base of tongue cancer. I do not know much about brain cancer but I do know how stressful it is to have a loved one with cancer. I am praying for you and your mother. Be strong and keep the faith.

    Debbie
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #6
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    Hello
    I'm sorry, but I really don't have any useful info for you Manolo. Congrats on your baby. As a new grandmother (my grandson Seamus is two months old), I can safely say that the anticipation of holding your little one will be a big boost for your mom during treatment. I'm hoping that treatment goes well for your mother, and your entire family happily celebrates a February addition.
  • Manolox
    Manolox Member Posts: 2
    #7
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    Thanks for your replies
    Hi John,Hal61, Hondo, Jim & Debbie, Pam.

    Sorry for my delay on answering. I have this fear-apathy I have to struggle with. Thanks a lot for your replies and prayers.
    My Mom Isn't doing well. She's not responding to the radiations. We're half way -14 to go-, she already needed extra shots of cortisone since her speech and limb control have worsened at a fast pace. Probably starting on an aggresive chemio next week. Time to ponder suffering against enduring. She's high spirited, though. We pretend towards her to be as well. I only hope she lives enough to meet and embrace the new one. Or at least until Christmas, her favorite holiday. Thanks again, people. Really. Love.

    Manolo
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #8
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    Manolox said:

    Thanks for your replies
    Hi John,Hal61, Hondo, Jim & Debbie, Pam.

    Sorry for my delay on answering. I have this fear-apathy I have to struggle with. Thanks a lot for your replies and prayers.
    My Mom Isn't doing well. She's not responding to the radiations. We're half way -14 to go-, she already needed extra shots of cortisone since her speech and limb control have worsened at a fast pace. Probably starting on an aggresive chemio next week. Time to ponder suffering against enduring. She's high spirited, though. We pretend towards her to be as well. I only hope she lives enough to meet and embrace the new one. Or at least until Christmas, her favorite holiday. Thanks again, people. Really. Love.

    Manolo

    Hi Manolox

    Sorry to hear that but will keep your Mom in our prayers

    Hondo
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #9
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    Manolox said:

    Thanks for your replies
    Hi John,Hal61, Hondo, Jim & Debbie, Pam.

    Sorry for my delay on answering. I have this fear-apathy I have to struggle with. Thanks a lot for your replies and prayers.
    My Mom Isn't doing well. She's not responding to the radiations. We're half way -14 to go-, she already needed extra shots of cortisone since her speech and limb control have worsened at a fast pace. Probably starting on an aggresive chemio next week. Time to ponder suffering against enduring. She's high spirited, though. We pretend towards her to be as well. I only hope she lives enough to meet and embrace the new one. Or at least until Christmas, her favorite holiday. Thanks again, people. Really. Love.

    Manolo

    Thoughts & Prayers
    Never forget the power that prayer has....

    Also, people are tougher than you think....it's surprising how much fight people have for survival.

    Praying for the best possible turnout...

    John
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #10
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    Manolox said:

    Thanks for your replies
    Hi John,Hal61, Hondo, Jim & Debbie, Pam.

    Sorry for my delay on answering. I have this fear-apathy I have to struggle with. Thanks a lot for your replies and prayers.
    My Mom Isn't doing well. She's not responding to the radiations. We're half way -14 to go-, she already needed extra shots of cortisone since her speech and limb control have worsened at a fast pace. Probably starting on an aggresive chemio next week. Time to ponder suffering against enduring. She's high spirited, though. We pretend towards her to be as well. I only hope she lives enough to meet and embrace the new one. Or at least until Christmas, her favorite holiday. Thanks again, people. Really. Love.

    Manolo

    Time to ponder
    Hello Manolo,
    I'm hoping the treatment isn't too hard on your mom, and she has plenty of time to enjoy Christmas with you. It's easy to hear the love you have for your mother in your words, and that will get you through and guide your decisions. I wish you all good days toether.

    best, Hal
  • connieprice1
    connieprice1 Member Posts: 300 Member
    #11
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    Hi Manolo, I am a caregiver
    Hi Manolo, I am a caregiver like yourself and I will pray for your Mother and your family. Everyone here understands that the entire family suffers with any life threatening illness. It sounds like you are there for your Mother and sometimes we are the "cheerleaders" that try to encourage our love ones to continue to fight and never give up. This encouragement is VERY important and miracles happen and prayers are answered. When my wife was doing her radiation treatments we met a couple of people having brain targeted radiation. They were doing well and hopefully the radiation treatments will work or her doctors will figure out a new treatment soon. Really you might get more technical help at the Brain Cancer discussion board but the Head and Neck board will always try to help with emotional support. Hopefully everything will get better soon, Your Friends, Homer & Connie
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #12
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    Still praying
    Manolo,

    I know it is tough to see your loved one suffer but don't give up. Your positive thoughts and spirits will give here positive energy and thoughts as well. Keep the faith and hug your mom alot. I am praying for you all.

    Debbie

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