Depression

My mom has been in the hospital for the past 3 weeks. She was admitted with a blood infection and her blood pressure dropped very low. She was in ICU for a few days then back on the cancer floor. A few days after she was back in the Icu. The antibiotics she was on caused some problems with breathing and kidneys. She is now doing much better but tonight I noticed she is very depressed. She talks about how she is never going to get better. I feel so bad.  Has anyone here had those days?  What can I say or do to make her feel better?

emily 

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Comments

  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    Hmmmmm!!

    Emily,

      I feel every person on here has gone thru some degree of depression at one time or another going thru this crap. I posted earlier on the hiccup thread about being up all hours of the night because of mostly the Pred, but there was other things going on in my head as well. I just kept them to myself. Others on here may talk about it. I am more of a quiet person in that respect. It seems to be worse when we are sitting up late at night doing whatever we do and are alone. All kinds of stuff goes thru the mind. How far it goes depends on what is going on at the time. Your mother has been going thru a lot recently and I am sure all kinds of thoughts she never tells you go thru her mind. She starts to get better then there is a set back and on and on. It will play with your mind and I feel it is a normal thing. If she didn't have thoughts of what ifs I would say that was not normal.  By the time she said to you that she was not going to get she had already been thinking about it for quite a while beforehand.John

  • anliperez915
    anliperez915 Member Posts: 770
    Hi Emily

    Hi Emily,

    I'm really sorry for everything that your mom is going through, it must be really hard on her. Also I agree with everything that John said, we all have had those types of thoughts and I'm sure most of us have had depression. I did have depression in the beginning of my diagnosis, I had to see a therapist because I couldn't stop crying. Just letting us talk about the fear of dying and saying its ok to talk about it really helps. Its hard to always stay positive and upbeat when you're having so many setbacks. Just let your mom know that you love her. And if she wants to talk about the fears that she's feeling let her and listen. Maybe if you let the dr know about her depression they can give her some type of medicine to help her. Take care if yourself as well, sometimes it can be harder on our family members than on us. (((Hugs)))

    Sincerely,

    Liz

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    Hi Emily

    Hi Emily.  I agree with what John and Liz has posted.  Depression comes with this in many forms and it can be overwhelming at times.  I think as long as it is not extremely prolonged and debilitating it falls within "normal" and we have to process  and work through it.  From what you have said in the past, your mom is accustomed to being healthy, active and free.  Much of that has been taken away from her (temporarily) during this ordeal.  I know from my own hospitalizations (ICU in the beginning, surgery, and treatments), I felt very confined.

    Especially while I was in ICU, before the surgery to stop the bleeding, I was a mess.  I felt very much like an infant having to depend on staff to take care of my every need.  I can't tell you how many bed pans I went through in a day and how embarassing it was to not have control over it.  I think all that was keeping me alive at the time were IV's and blood infusions.  I remember being overjoyed when I was able to finally give myself a shower, eat a real meal and get out and walk around  and then to finally come home.  I can't say enough good about those folks in ICU - they took good care of me and never made me feel like a burden though I know I was.

    Sorry for the short story, it just came out of me :).  Now for some possible ideas.  All of these are within the realm of what she is able to do, will not worsen her condition or cause injury.

    1. Let her do as much as she can for herself or others.  2.  If possible, get her out of the room and into some new surroundings even if she's in a wheelchair - outside with some sun would be nice if possible.  3. Share funny stores or memories - we know how healing laughter is.  4. Tell her you're really looking forward to her cooking one of her signature meals/dishes - maybe get her to share the recipe and how to prepare?  5. If there are grand or great grandchildren, visits from them are always nice.  6.  Anything that makes her feel a little more in control.  7. Bring anythng from home that is permissible that would make surroundings feel a little more like home?  

    Not that I'm suggesting this but during my treatments, I often got out and walked around with my buddy "IVan Pole" ;).  I'd see patients much worse off than me.  Sometimes I'd stop and chat briefly and share stories about our situtations.  I distinctly remember a young hispanic woman, mostly bald standing with her metallic buddy at the nurses station asking "Where do you get this energy?". I smiled and winked and said "prednisone and I don't want the shots in the hip to prevent blood clots." and she laughed and smiled knowingly.  I felt very lucky that I was able to get out and about and it made the "depression monster" leave me alone for awhile. - that and several episodes of "I Love Lucy" at 5:00am ;).

    These are just some maybe not so helpful thoughts.  I hope she feels better soon, Emily. and you're a great daughter :).

    Hugs - Jim

     

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    DEPRESSION

    Emily:

    I am so sorry to hear about your mom.    I think it would be very difficult to not be depressed in her situation.  I am trying to figure out how to be helpful here.   I have had problems with moderate depression.   I take Lexapro (there is a generic) and off and on Atavin (there is a generic).  I wish your mom were up and about because exercise is good for depression.  Are there not bed exercises??  I believe so.  Maybe some stretching would be good.  Some people use a certain kind of sunlamp for depression.   Let her talk and get things out.  Not good to hold things inside.     Also, just getting stuff off her chest, possibly with a professional.  

    I hope you are holding up ok, Emily and I hope things improve for your mom.

    Nancy

     

     

     

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    jimwins said:

    Hi Emily

    Hi Emily.  I agree with what John and Liz has posted.  Depression comes with this in many forms and it can be overwhelming at times.  I think as long as it is not extremely prolonged and debilitating it falls within "normal" and we have to process  and work through it.  From what you have said in the past, your mom is accustomed to being healthy, active and free.  Much of that has been taken away from her (temporarily) during this ordeal.  I know from my own hospitalizations (ICU in the beginning, surgery, and treatments), I felt very confined.

    Especially while I was in ICU, before the surgery to stop the bleeding, I was a mess.  I felt very much like an infant having to depend on staff to take care of my every need.  I can't tell you how many bed pans I went through in a day and how embarassing it was to not have control over it.  I think all that was keeping me alive at the time were IV's and blood infusions.  I remember being overjoyed when I was able to finally give myself a shower, eat a real meal and get out and walk around  and then to finally come home.  I can't say enough good about those folks in ICU - they took good care of me and never made me feel like a burden though I know I was.

    Sorry for the short story, it just came out of me :).  Now for some possible ideas.  All of these are within the realm of what she is able to do, will not worsen her condition or cause injury.

    1. Let her do as much as she can for herself or others.  2.  If possible, get her out of the room and into some new surroundings even if she's in a wheelchair - outside with some sun would be nice if possible.  3. Share funny stores or memories - we know how healing laughter is.  4. Tell her you're really looking forward to her cooking one of her signature meals/dishes - maybe get her to share the recipe and how to prepare?  5. If there are grand or great grandchildren, visits from them are always nice.  6.  Anything that makes her feel a little more in control.  7. Bring anythng from home that is permissible that would make surroundings feel a little more like home?  

    Not that I'm suggesting this but during my treatments, I often got out and walked around with my buddy "IVan Pole" ;).  I'd see patients much worse off than me.  Sometimes I'd stop and chat briefly and share stories about our situtations.  I distinctly remember a young hispanic woman, mostly bald standing with her metallic buddy at the nurses station asking "Where do you get this energy?". I smiled and winked and said "prednisone and I don't want the shots in the hip to prevent blood clots." and she laughed and smiled knowingly.  I felt very lucky that I was able to get out and about and it made the "depression monster" leave me alone for awhile. - that and several episodes of "I Love Lucy" at 5:00am ;).

    These are just some maybe not so helpful thoughts.  I hope she feels better soon, Emily. and you're a great daughter :).

    Hugs - Jim

     

    John, Liz and jhim 
    Thank you

    John, Liz and jhim 

    Thank you so much for all your comments.  I know it's very normal. It is just so difficult to watch her cry and not know if she will get well. It doesn't help with the constant doctors coming in giving us news on all these drug resistant infections she has gotten. The worse part is that she got them n the hospital   

    jim I agree the ICU has been amazing!! They have taken great care of my mom. I wish she could get around.  That is part of the problem.  I wish you were here to pop your head in and make her laugh. You have such a great outlook. Last night I told her labour all of you and how wonderful you were now doing. 

    Her doctor took her off the antidepressant because it could have caused problems with her sodium. I think when she gets home she will feel much better. Just wish her immune system would fight her infections. Has anyone had to deal with blood infections?

    Today she looks better. I do talk about making some of the things she loves.  She is an amazing cook and baker. I told her when we get home we are dedicating a day to baking. I told her she owes me since she didn't bake for the holidays. Lol 

    Again thank you john Liz and Jim. I appreciate your help. You truly are all Angels. I feel blessed to know you all. 

    Love. Emil

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    NANCYL1 said:

    DEPRESSION

    Emily:

    I am so sorry to hear about your mom.    I think it would be very difficult to not be depressed in her situation.  I am trying to figure out how to be helpful here.   I have had problems with moderate depression.   I take Lexapro (there is a generic) and off and on Atavin (there is a generic).  I wish your mom were up and about because exercise is good for depression.  Are there not bed exercises??  I believe so.  Maybe some stretching would be good.  Some people use a certain kind of sunlamp for depression.   Let her talk and get things out.  Not good to hold things inside.     Also, just getting stuff off her chest, possibly with a professional.  

    I hope you are holding up ok, Emily and I hope things improve for your mom.

    Nancy

     

     

     

    Hi. Nancy

    Yes. I fact she started some bed exercises for her legs. She is very strong. And as of yesterday she is up in the chair. We are hopin g she will come home this week. I know that will help. My only concern is that her condition changes so rapidly. I am exhausted!! I spend all of my time here when I'm not working. I need to start taking better care of myself. This has been a difficult last few months. Lets hope it starts getting better. Thank you for your concern.  Love Emily

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    epicc said:

    Hi. Nancy

    Yes. I fact she started some bed exercises for her legs. She is very strong. And as of yesterday she is up in the chair. We are hopin g she will come home this week. I know that will help. My only concern is that her condition changes so rapidly. I am exhausted!! I spend all of my time here when I'm not working. I need to start taking better care of myself. This has been a difficult last few months. Lets hope it starts getting better. Thank you for your concern.  Love Emily

    EMILY

    Hi again Emily:

    Things sound a bit better than in your first note.   Leg exercise, that is good; it is so important.  She's in a chair.  Good signs.  Hope she can go home this week.  Not much that is uplifting about a hospital atmosphere.

    There is nothing more exhausting than visiting in a hospital, coupled with terrible worry.   And you are working!  You must be exhausted.  Hope you have some help with visiting so you can get some rest.

    Nancy

     

     

     

     

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    NANCYL1 said:

    EMILY

    Hi again Emily:

    Things sound a bit better than in your first note.   Leg exercise, that is good; it is so important.  She's in a chair.  Good signs.  Hope she can go home this week.  Not much that is uplifting about a hospital atmosphere.

    There is nothing more exhausting than visiting in a hospital, coupled with terrible worry.   And you are working!  You must be exhausted.  Hope you have some help with visiting so you can get some rest.

    Nancy

     

     

     

     

    I do get help

    Hi Nancy. 

    My sister comes in the morning and helps her with breakfast. My dad comes in the afternoon and I come for dinner. We make sure someone is always here. If things are bad I will sleep here.  She is a wonderful mother and an amazing grandmother. She would have never left me.  I have made her my number one priority.  Hope all is well with you Nancy. Love Emily 

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    epicc said:

    I do get help

    Hi Nancy. 

    My sister comes in the morning and helps her with breakfast. My dad comes in the afternoon and I come for dinner. We make sure someone is always here. If things are bad I will sleep here.  She is a wonderful mother and an amazing grandmother. She would have never left me.  I have made her my number one priority.  Hope all is well with you Nancy. Love Emily 

    God bless you...

    Hi Emily,

     I have to tell you that you are a very special daughter. It sounds like your mom has done an excellent job raising her children. I'm so sorry she keeps getting these darn infections while in the hospital. Hospitals are the worst for catching something...seems odd to say because it's the place we expect to get us well and healthy! Please keep us informed, and I'll be saying prayers that your dear mom gets better and comes home. Best wishes my dear....Love, Sue

    (FNHL-2-3A-6/10-age62)

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    Emily

    Hi Sweetie,

         You know how I feel.  You really need to try to take care of yourself and get some rest.  I totally agree with Sue, she may have hit on something, hospitals, sad to say, are the worst places to try to heal.  I don't know what can be done about that.  It's like you may have your hands tied.  Wish I had the answers for that.  Another thought for her temporary well being is, does she have a pet?  Even if you have to sneak it in, do it!  Love you, Becky 

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    illead said:

    Emily

    Hi Sweetie,

         You know how I feel.  You really need to try to take care of yourself and get some rest.  I totally agree with Sue, she may have hit on something, hospitals, sad to say, are the worst places to try to heal.  I don't know what can be done about that.  It's like you may have your hands tied.  Wish I had the answers for that.  Another thought for her temporary well being is, does she have a pet?  Even if you have to sneak it in, do it!  Love you, Becky 

    I miss you Becky!

    Hi Becky. 

    It has been another crazy month.  One step forward 3 steps back!  Very very fusrating.  She seems to contract these drug resisant infections.  Although her blood cultures are negative, she has an infection in her urine.  And everytime she is in the hospital, it sets her back.   And yes i do agree.  It is time to start taking care of myself.  I'm heading to the gym tonight before the hospital.  And last Friday, my husband and I attended a fundrasier dinner dance that we always attend once a year.  So, I am trying. As far as a pet.  Her dog died a few years back.  She does love my dog.  When she is home, i bring him over all the time.  It's almost time for chemo again.  Not sure they will give it to her on time.  We will have to see. I also spoke to her about everyone here.  I told her how you and Bill were enjoying yourself in Mexico.  And how sick Bill was at one time.  I wanted her to know that this cancer can go into remission. 

    Hope you and Bill are having a great time.  Miss you, love you, Emily

     

     

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    allmost60 said:

    God bless you...

    Hi Emily,

     I have to tell you that you are a very special daughter. It sounds like your mom has done an excellent job raising her children. I'm so sorry she keeps getting these darn infections while in the hospital. Hospitals are the worst for catching something...seems odd to say because it's the place we expect to get us well and healthy! Please keep us informed, and I'll be saying prayers that your dear mom gets better and comes home. Best wishes my dear....Love, Sue

    (FNHL-2-3A-6/10-age62)

    Thank you Sue

    Hi Sue,

    Thank you so much for your kind words.  I have the best mom.  She has always been there for me.  When I had my chidlren, I need to work.  She watched them everyday! Becasue of her, they are truly amazing kids.  I am so blessed.  They are smart and hard working!  I feel like i owe it all to my mom.  All the coultless hours of doing homework with them and all the driving them around after school.  I was very lucky to have her.   I will keep you informed on how she is doing.  Although she has these terrible setbacks.  I must say, she is strong. It's not easy going through this at age 82.  Hope you are doing well Sue.  I'm so happy you had your last Rituxan!!!  Love, Emily

     

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    epicc said:

    I miss you Becky!

    Hi Becky. 

    It has been another crazy month.  One step forward 3 steps back!  Very very fusrating.  She seems to contract these drug resisant infections.  Although her blood cultures are negative, she has an infection in her urine.  And everytime she is in the hospital, it sets her back.   And yes i do agree.  It is time to start taking care of myself.  I'm heading to the gym tonight before the hospital.  And last Friday, my husband and I attended a fundrasier dinner dance that we always attend once a year.  So, I am trying. As far as a pet.  Her dog died a few years back.  She does love my dog.  When she is home, i bring him over all the time.  It's almost time for chemo again.  Not sure they will give it to her on time.  We will have to see. I also spoke to her about everyone here.  I told her how you and Bill were enjoying yourself in Mexico.  And how sick Bill was at one time.  I wanted her to know that this cancer can go into remission. 

    Hope you and Bill are having a great time.  Miss you, love you, Emily

     

     

    Always thinking of you

    It's good that you share with your mom about all of us.  She needs to know that she has tons more rooting for her.  Wish we could do something more.  I am glad you are getting a little diversion and that are better days ahead.  We went whale watching today and hit the jackpot! Babies, Moms, and dads playing.  Lots of tails and fins.  Will send pics soon.  Take care as always, Becky

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    illead said:

    Always thinking of you

    It's good that you share with your mom about all of us.  She needs to know that she has tons more rooting for her.  Wish we could do something more.  I am glad you are getting a little diversion and that are better days ahead.  We went whale watching today and hit the jackpot! Babies, Moms, and dads playing.  Lots of tails and fins.  Will send pics soon.  Take care as always, Becky

    Wow Becky

    Becky that is amazing.  Love whales! Very cool.  Please send pictures.  Sounds like you are having a great time! 

    My mom is becoming difficult with her eating.  Could be the extended hospital stay.  She has had enough.  Her oncologist came in today.  She is coming home as soon as we have the aid at our house gain.  should be in the next 24 to 48 hours.  Also,  they have to wait a little more before her next treatment.  A week or two.  She is still weak and they don't want it to kill her.

    They also said for the first time, that her cancer is in gross remission. Do you know what this means?  Enjoy! Have a margarita for me.  God knows I need 1 (or 2)..LOL

    Love, Emily

     

     

     

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    epicc said:

    Wow Becky

    Becky that is amazing.  Love whales! Very cool.  Please send pictures.  Sounds like you are having a great time! 

    My mom is becoming difficult with her eating.  Could be the extended hospital stay.  She has had enough.  Her oncologist came in today.  She is coming home as soon as we have the aid at our house gain.  should be in the next 24 to 48 hours.  Also,  they have to wait a little more before her next treatment.  A week or two.  She is still weak and they don't want it to kill her.

    They also said for the first time, that her cancer is in gross remission. Do you know what this means?  Enjoy! Have a margarita for me.  God knows I need 1 (or 2)..LOL

    Love, Emily

     

     

     

    Hi Emily

         I really think that once your mom gets home she is going to do better.  I have a feeling it is not the cancer but all the other things and if she can just steer clear of the hospital and start getting comfortable with her circumstances at home, she will do so much better.  It will make everyone more relaxed and feel more normal.  But, what do I know?  I'm not a doctor and I don't know everything that is going on, it's just my thoughts.   About "gross", please someone else correct me if I am wrong, but Bill had that same thing in his doctor's notes, it was pertaining to something else not as important and we got a big laugh out of it, and after checking it out, it actually meant to the extreme in a good way.  So I am thinking that is good news.  Please don't get your hopes up, you need to ask, but it may be good news.  Boy do I hope so.  Your post sounds more hopeful than it has in awhile.    We own our condo here in Cabo San Lucas (I know, play the violins), so there is tons to do ie pruning trees, cleaning, dealing with other homeowners blah blah blah and I am not computer savvy so when Bill and I get a minute to figure this out I will post some pics and y'all will see what 43 yrs. of wedded bliss has doneWink  One thing though, when you see something like those beautiful whales how can anyone say there isn't a grand creator?  Give your mom a big kiss from me.

    Love you,  Becky

  • onlytoday
    onlytoday Member Posts: 609 Member
    epicc said:

    John, Liz and jhim 
    Thank you

    John, Liz and jhim 

    Thank you so much for all your comments.  I know it's very normal. It is just so difficult to watch her cry and not know if she will get well. It doesn't help with the constant doctors coming in giving us news on all these drug resistant infections she has gotten. The worse part is that she got them n the hospital   

    jim I agree the ICU has been amazing!! They have taken great care of my mom. I wish she could get around.  That is part of the problem.  I wish you were here to pop your head in and make her laugh. You have such a great outlook. Last night I told her labour all of you and how wonderful you were now doing. 

    Her doctor took her off the antidepressant because it could have caused problems with her sodium. I think when she gets home she will feel much better. Just wish her immune system would fight her infections. Has anyone had to deal with blood infections?

    Today she looks better. I do talk about making some of the things she loves.  She is an amazing cook and baker. I told her when we get home we are dedicating a day to baking. I told her she owes me since she didn't bake for the holidays. Lol 

    Again thank you john Liz and Jim. I appreciate your help. You truly are all Angels. I feel blessed to know you all. 

    Love. Emil

    Your Mom

    Emily,

    So sorry to hear about the infections and hospitalization of your Mom!  I agree with everyone that depression can be perfectly normal under the circumstances.  Watching and seeing how she is doing with it it the best way to go as well as mentioning it to her doctor.  How long ago did they take her off the antidepressant?   Seems like she is having a rough road right now and I'm sure it can feel so overwhelming.

    Glad to hear that she seemed a bit lighter yesterday.  Baking will be good!  :)

    This stuff is SO HARD and then to have infections - well it's just a mess.  Praying that things improve quickly and you can get her home!

    Love,

    Donna

     

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    illead said:

    Hi Emily

         I really think that once your mom gets home she is going to do better.  I have a feeling it is not the cancer but all the other things and if she can just steer clear of the hospital and start getting comfortable with her circumstances at home, she will do so much better.  It will make everyone more relaxed and feel more normal.  But, what do I know?  I'm not a doctor and I don't know everything that is going on, it's just my thoughts.   About "gross", please someone else correct me if I am wrong, but Bill had that same thing in his doctor's notes, it was pertaining to something else not as important and we got a big laugh out of it, and after checking it out, it actually meant to the extreme in a good way.  So I am thinking that is good news.  Please don't get your hopes up, you need to ask, but it may be good news.  Boy do I hope so.  Your post sounds more hopeful than it has in awhile.    We own our condo here in Cabo San Lucas (I know, play the violins), so there is tons to do ie pruning trees, cleaning, dealing with other homeowners blah blah blah and I am not computer savvy so when Bill and I get a minute to figure this out I will post some pics and y'all will see what 43 yrs. of wedded bliss has doneWink  One thing though, when you see something like those beautiful whales how can anyone say there isn't a grand creator?  Give your mom a big kiss from me.

    Love you,  Becky

    Very Nice Becky

    Hi Becky,

    Very nice!!!! A condo is a great way to go.  That way you can stay as long as you like.  My husband and I purchased a time share three years ago in Aruba.  But it's only a 1 week.  We go every week 31.  It's a 2 bedroom sleeps 6.  We go with our children (all together 4)  We have a great time.  We booked our flights for this year, but not sure I will actually get to go with the circumstances. The onclogist seemed very pleased with the "gross remission".  He said it was a first since she started treatment.  However, I'm not getting excited.  This has been the worst rollercoaster ride I have ever been on.  I agree with getting her home.  She will be so much better there.  I just wish she could stay infection free.  That is the problem with her age.  Very difficult.  One day at a time.  What will be will be. 

    Can't wait for you to post pictures!  Thanks for keeping in touch.  Love, Emily

     

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    onlytoday said:

    Your Mom

    Emily,

    So sorry to hear about the infections and hospitalization of your Mom!  I agree with everyone that depression can be perfectly normal under the circumstances.  Watching and seeing how she is doing with it it the best way to go as well as mentioning it to her doctor.  How long ago did they take her off the antidepressant?   Seems like she is having a rough road right now and I'm sure it can feel so overwhelming.

    Glad to hear that she seemed a bit lighter yesterday.  Baking will be good!  :)

    This stuff is SO HARD and then to have infections - well it's just a mess.  Praying that things improve quickly and you can get her home!

    Love,

    Donna

     

    Hi Donna

    Hi Donna,

    Nice to hear from you.  As you know she is on Bend/Rixt.  I thought it was going to be a little easier.  But chemo is chemo right?  Because of her age, infections set in very quickly.  They are waiting a few weeks longer before her next dose.  They don't want the chemo to kill her.  I guess I would have to agree this time.  We need to build her up.  It was nice to hear that there was some type of remission going on.  I hope they are telling us the truth.  They don't want to give her an antidepressant right now.  It screws up her body chemistry.  Sodium goes crazy, Calicum goes up.  Very difficult to manage with all the medications she is on.  If she could just come home this week.  That should help. 

     

    Hope you are doing well.  Thank you for your kind words.  They mean alot.  Love, Emily

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    epicc said:

    Very Nice Becky

    Hi Becky,

    Very nice!!!! A condo is a great way to go.  That way you can stay as long as you like.  My husband and I purchased a time share three years ago in Aruba.  But it's only a 1 week.  We go every week 31.  It's a 2 bedroom sleeps 6.  We go with our children (all together 4)  We have a great time.  We booked our flights for this year, but not sure I will actually get to go with the circumstances. The onclogist seemed very pleased with the "gross remission".  He said it was a first since she started treatment.  However, I'm not getting excited.  This has been the worst rollercoaster ride I have ever been on.  I agree with getting her home.  She will be so much better there.  I just wish she could stay infection free.  That is the problem with her age.  Very difficult.  One day at a time.  What will be will be. 

    Can't wait for you to post pictures!  Thanks for keeping in touch.  Love, Emily

     

    one more thought

    When Bill had his chemo, his blood count was so low that his doctor was also afraid it would kill him, so she ordered a half dose and thereafter 3/4 dose.  Later on in his treatment when his blood counts were normal and he was doing so well we asked why he didn't up it to the full dose (new doc BTW), he said why rock the boat.  So in other words, the dosage is not rocket science and it is a guessing game.  I am wondering if they could lower your mom's dosage in order to give it to her in a more timely fashion, just a thought.  I sure hope you all make it to Aruba and that you will be emailing your mom of your fun time.  Love, Becky

  • epicc
    epicc Member Posts: 137
    illead said:

    one more thought

    When Bill had his chemo, his blood count was so low that his doctor was also afraid it would kill him, so she ordered a half dose and thereafter 3/4 dose.  Later on in his treatment when his blood counts were normal and he was doing so well we asked why he didn't up it to the full dose (new doc BTW), he said why rock the boat.  So in other words, the dosage is not rocket science and it is a guessing game.  I am wondering if they could lower your mom's dosage in order to give it to her in a more timely fashion, just a thought.  I sure hope you all make it to Aruba and that you will be emailing your mom of your fun time.  Love, Becky

    I like your idea

    Becky,

    I'm going to suggest it to the doctors.  However, as of last night her blood pressure was dropping and she might have her infection back.  She  also has a loss of appetitie.  We just van't get out of this rut we are in. I'm very fustrated today. Love, Emily