Newly diagnosed with rectal cancer

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Comments

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    Easyflip said:

    Andrea

    I think if you can have the mets surgically removed that's the best. Mine was surgically removed aka resection 4 months ago. It depends a lot on location, size etc but I would push for resection. Good luck!

    Easyflip/Richard

    Ablation

    I'm about to see if my my liver ablation is staying successful with a CT Scan tomorrow.  My surgeon did not want to resect my otherwise healthy liver, so blasted my 2.2 cm tumour. 

    Definitely ask many questions and before your bowel resection. 

    The regular blood draw for insurance does not include the CEA test So that is why Cancer wasn't picked up  

    Good luck on your surgery  you will do well  

    Sue - Trubrit

     

  • Steve444
    Steve444 Member Posts: 105 Member
    What they said...

    I'd just like to mimic what everyone else is saying.  You're going to be freaked out and that's ok, but you should get better emotionally once you start going through the paces and see positive results.  I was also diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer about a year ago.  The tumor in my recum was the size of a grapefruit and my liver was consumed with innumerable tumors covering 90% of it.  I was scared, but as I started treatment and came to terms with my disease everything became ok.  My kids were pretty freaked out (20-26), but as I got better they stopped worrying and conversations became more about regular things instead of them not knowing what to say or focussed on cancer.  It's tough on everyone around you, but should get better after the initial horror wears off.

    i was told surgery wasn't an option and started on chemo.  It wasn't too long before scans no longer found tumors, the chemo and my focus on healing myself managed to shrink everything down.  Just because we're diagnosed at stage 4 doesn't mean hope is lost and end of life is near.  Sure it may come back, sure results vary, but try to have a positive outlook and get healthy. Being NED 8 months after stage 4 diagnosis doesn't appear to be all that uncommon anymore.

    Use this as a wake up call.  Spend more time with those you love, do some of the things you've been putting off.  We never know what is going to happen to us or our loved ones.  I looked back and realized how much of my life I lived stressed out and miserable.  Once I was diagnosed I felt more free, I no longer wanted things, the important work I thought I was doing didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, priorities shifted and I changed.

     I still struggle with the uncertainty.  Do I really only have a few years left or 10 or more?  Should I still plan for retirement?  Should I try to go back to work?  I still get nervous every blood test wondering if CEA is going to continue climbing or settle back down.  I'm becoming more and more successful in just letting worries fade away and dealing with what comes when it comes, but they still come and say hi weekly.

    For now you still have a lot to take in, a lot to learn and a lot to experience.  You should start getting less scared, get used to the questions, advice, research from friends and family as they try to help you on your journey (they'll all play dr Google as well).  You'll get used to the sitting and waiting, become comfortable with your treatment team and the familiar faces you see every week.  You'll experience pain and discomfort and may feel like giving up, but know this too shall pass.  Sorry that you're here, but know many people are going through the same thing and we understand.

  • Daisy13
    Daisy13 Member Posts: 43 Member
    Andrea ... you are right, there are very special people here.

    Keep coming back to this site with questions, concerns, fears, progress, and joys. Share anything that you are going through.  There will always be someone who can relate and provide knowledge, comfort, and support.

    My advice to you on this journey is from a caregiver's perspective ...try to let your loved ones know what your needs are if possible. Certainly, make sure they know loud and clear that you need their love and support. Don't try to go it alone.  It is sometimes hard to make important decisions because it is overwhelming after a diagnosis.  What I discovered, and it may be this way for you as well, is that after a treatment plan is in place you will feel more empowered.

    You may have some strong emotions that you direct at your loved ones ... sometimes this will come back your way as well. I do think though that the individual going through the cancer needs an abundance of sensitivity.  If loved ones are having difficulty providing this they may need some extra support so that they can provide you a trusted emotional space as you navigate your cancer journey.  Most major cancer centers have social workers and therapists on hand to provide needed support. Caregivers are very welcomed here as well so if you have a loved one who would like support send them our way.

    One more thing, I am a big proponent of palliative care starting from diagnosis ... and by this I do not mean hospice care ... nor do I mean the type of care that is given to individuals for whom no more active treatment is available.  I am talking about palliative care designed to relieve symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients who are facing any serious chronic condition and can be beneficial during any stage of illness.  

    The statistics on survival of this illness are just numbers.  Each individual is unique.  You have every reason to be hopeful.

    Best to you and those who love you. ~ Daisy

     

     

  • sflgirl
    sflgirl Member Posts: 220 Member
    Trubrit said:

    Ablation

    I'm about to see if my my liver ablation is staying successful with a CT Scan tomorrow.  My surgeon did not want to resect my otherwise healthy liver, so blasted my 2.2 cm tumour. 

    Definitely ask many questions and before your bowel resection. 

    The regular blood draw for insurance does not include the CEA test So that is why Cancer wasn't picked up  

    Good luck on your surgery  you will do well  

    Sue - Trubrit

     

    Good luck with your scan

    Good luck with your scan Sue!  Wishing you the best.

     And I found out my CEA is 31.

     

  • sflgirl
    sflgirl Member Posts: 220 Member
    Steve444 said:

    What they said...

    I'd just like to mimic what everyone else is saying.  You're going to be freaked out and that's ok, but you should get better emotionally once you start going through the paces and see positive results.  I was also diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer about a year ago.  The tumor in my recum was the size of a grapefruit and my liver was consumed with innumerable tumors covering 90% of it.  I was scared, but as I started treatment and came to terms with my disease everything became ok.  My kids were pretty freaked out (20-26), but as I got better they stopped worrying and conversations became more about regular things instead of them not knowing what to say or focussed on cancer.  It's tough on everyone around you, but should get better after the initial horror wears off.

    i was told surgery wasn't an option and started on chemo.  It wasn't too long before scans no longer found tumors, the chemo and my focus on healing myself managed to shrink everything down.  Just because we're diagnosed at stage 4 doesn't mean hope is lost and end of life is near.  Sure it may come back, sure results vary, but try to have a positive outlook and get healthy. Being NED 8 months after stage 4 diagnosis doesn't appear to be all that uncommon anymore.

    Use this as a wake up call.  Spend more time with those you love, do some of the things you've been putting off.  We never know what is going to happen to us or our loved ones.  I looked back and realized how much of my life I lived stressed out and miserable.  Once I was diagnosed I felt more free, I no longer wanted things, the important work I thought I was doing didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, priorities shifted and I changed.

     I still struggle with the uncertainty.  Do I really only have a few years left or 10 or more?  Should I still plan for retirement?  Should I try to go back to work?  I still get nervous every blood test wondering if CEA is going to continue climbing or settle back down.  I'm becoming more and more successful in just letting worries fade away and dealing with what comes when it comes, but they still come and say hi weekly.

    For now you still have a lot to take in, a lot to learn and a lot to experience.  You should start getting less scared, get used to the questions, advice, research from friends and family as they try to help you on your journey (they'll all play dr Google as well).  You'll get used to the sitting and waiting, become comfortable with your treatment team and the familiar faces you see every week.  You'll experience pain and discomfort and may feel like giving up, but know this too shall pass.  Sorry that you're here, but know many people are going through the same thing and we understand.

    Thank you Steve.
    Surgery Wed

    Thank you Steve.

    Surgery Wed morning to remove the rectal tumor.  It pretty small, 4 cm. 

    Found out today there are 2 tumors on my liver, each about 4 cm and they are not close together.  So after rectal surgery recovery I start on chemo to shrink the liver tumors if possible and then a second surgery to take them out. 

    At least the process is beginning and that is a positive step.  I have no frame of reference for all that is to come so I'm not scared about that yet.  I'm sure I'll have a different opinion in a very short period of time. 

    I appreciate you wise and uplifiting remarks.  I will come back after I get back from the hospital, I guess they said 3-4 days in there after surgery.

    My best to you all,

    Andrea

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    sflgirl said:

    Thank you Steve.
    Surgery Wed

    Thank you Steve.

    Surgery Wed morning to remove the rectal tumor.  It pretty small, 4 cm. 

    Found out today there are 2 tumors on my liver, each about 4 cm and they are not close together.  So after rectal surgery recovery I start on chemo to shrink the liver tumors if possible and then a second surgery to take them out. 

    At least the process is beginning and that is a positive step.  I have no frame of reference for all that is to come so I'm not scared about that yet.  I'm sure I'll have a different opinion in a very short period of time. 

    I appreciate you wise and uplifiting remarks.  I will come back after I get back from the hospital, I guess they said 3-4 days in there after surgery.

    My best to you all,

    Andrea

    Surgery

    Wishing you the best outcome possible and may God Bless your team of doctors and assitants to remove all that nasty disease.  Glad that you have such a positive approach to this as it helps tremendously.  One thing to remember after surger is walk, walk, walk.  Even when it hurts like heck, walk and then walk again.  You will find that it will help you heal much faster.  It's ok to rest when needed but don't spend hour after hour on the couch or in bed.  Take the medicine for pain when needed and don't let it go beyond when needed to try and be a he-man (woman) and tough it out.  If it's time for a pain pill - take it if you feel you need it.  It's too hard to catch up to pain and easier to control it.  After some time you can ease up on the pain pills, but do it gradually.  Please let us know how you are doing after surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Kim

  • lilacbrroller
    lilacbrroller Member Posts: 412 Member

    Surgery

    Wishing you the best outcome possible and may God Bless your team of doctors and assitants to remove all that nasty disease.  Glad that you have such a positive approach to this as it helps tremendously.  One thing to remember after surger is walk, walk, walk.  Even when it hurts like heck, walk and then walk again.  You will find that it will help you heal much faster.  It's ok to rest when needed but don't spend hour after hour on the couch or in bed.  Take the medicine for pain when needed and don't let it go beyond when needed to try and be a he-man (woman) and tough it out.  If it's time for a pain pill - take it if you feel you need it.  It's too hard to catch up to pain and easier to control it.  After some time you can ease up on the pain pills, but do it gradually.  Please let us know how you are doing after surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Kim

    Good luck!

    hope the surgery goes well. And probably, only here would people say "yay! Only two liver mets" 

    seems your clinic is movine fast, which is great, if your surgery is tomorrow.

    again, good luck! Sounds like your case is getting the attention it needs and you are getting good care.

    all the best

    karin 

  • YoVita
    YoVita Member Posts: 590 Member

    Surgery

    Wishing you the best outcome possible and may God Bless your team of doctors and assitants to remove all that nasty disease.  Glad that you have such a positive approach to this as it helps tremendously.  One thing to remember after surger is walk, walk, walk.  Even when it hurts like heck, walk and then walk again.  You will find that it will help you heal much faster.  It's ok to rest when needed but don't spend hour after hour on the couch or in bed.  Take the medicine for pain when needed and don't let it go beyond when needed to try and be a he-man (woman) and tough it out.  If it's time for a pain pill - take it if you feel you need it.  It's too hard to catch up to pain and easier to control it.  After some time you can ease up on the pain pills, but do it gradually.  Please let us know how you are doing after surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Kim

    As a fellow rectal cancer survivor

    I second Kim's recommendations.  Walking helps you recover.  Take the medicine for pain when needed.  Good luck with your surgery and follow up chemo. 

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    Thinking of you today

    I pray your surgery goes well and you are up and about pronto.

    Look forward to hearing from you again. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • sflgirl
    sflgirl Member Posts: 220 Member
    Trubrit said:

    Thinking of you today

    I pray your surgery goes well and you are up and about pronto.

    Look forward to hearing from you again. 

    Sue - Trubrit

    Thank you Sue and hello

    Thank you Sue and hello all,

    Just want to report a successful sugery on Wed. to remove the rectal/sigmoid tumor.  Took out 10 inches to get rid of a 4 cm tumor.  Done laproscopically and no colostomy.  I took everyone's advice and turned into a fool, walking the floor of the hospital, lol.  The good news is, it worked.  I'm home on Sat.  just 3 days after surgery.  So happy to be home.   It really sucks trying to sleep in the hospital.  Always waking you up for blood pressure, needle sticks, iv drips.  You all know this all too well so thank you all for the good advice.

    Next step chemo.  Said I had to wait 4 weeks until I healed from this surgery.  I don't want to wait so they said there was some possibility of liver embolisation to get started shrinking them.  don't know if this is common or not.  Just told the oncologist I want to be as aggressive as possible.    Waiting to hear about the lymph node and liver biopsy results.

    Anyone have experience or opinion on liver embolisation or next steps?

    Thank you all for your support.  I come to this site because of your positive comments and hopeful nature.  I think I am a lucky person to have found this.

    Andrea

     

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    sflgirl said:

    Thank you Sue and hello

    Thank you Sue and hello all,

    Just want to report a successful sugery on Wed. to remove the rectal/sigmoid tumor.  Took out 10 inches to get rid of a 4 cm tumor.  Done laproscopically and no colostomy.  I took everyone's advice and turned into a fool, walking the floor of the hospital, lol.  The good news is, it worked.  I'm home on Sat.  just 3 days after surgery.  So happy to be home.   It really sucks trying to sleep in the hospital.  Always waking you up for blood pressure, needle sticks, iv drips.  You all know this all too well so thank you all for the good advice.

    Next step chemo.  Said I had to wait 4 weeks until I healed from this surgery.  I don't want to wait so they said there was some possibility of liver embolisation to get started shrinking them.  don't know if this is common or not.  Just told the oncologist I want to be as aggressive as possible.    Waiting to hear about the lymph node and liver biopsy results.

    Anyone have experience or opinion on liver embolisation or next steps?

    Thank you all for your support.  I come to this site because of your positive comments and hopeful nature.  I think I am a lucky person to have found this.

    Andrea

     

    Congratulations!

    Isn't it good to get going on treatment, even if the treatment is no fun at all. 

    I am so glad you had a great surgical experience, and getting home in three days is fantastic. Keep the walking up, of course, but also take care not to over-do it. 

    I can't help you with the liver embolisation advice, but others will be along at some point to give advice. 

    Eat well, drink lots of water (but not too much) and continue healing. 

    We are glad that you found us here. We're rather a special bunch of people image.

  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    sflgirl said:

    Thank you Sue and hello

    Thank you Sue and hello all,

    Just want to report a successful sugery on Wed. to remove the rectal/sigmoid tumor.  Took out 10 inches to get rid of a 4 cm tumor.  Done laproscopically and no colostomy.  I took everyone's advice and turned into a fool, walking the floor of the hospital, lol.  The good news is, it worked.  I'm home on Sat.  just 3 days after surgery.  So happy to be home.   It really sucks trying to sleep in the hospital.  Always waking you up for blood pressure, needle sticks, iv drips.  You all know this all too well so thank you all for the good advice.

    Next step chemo.  Said I had to wait 4 weeks until I healed from this surgery.  I don't want to wait so they said there was some possibility of liver embolisation to get started shrinking them.  don't know if this is common or not.  Just told the oncologist I want to be as aggressive as possible.    Waiting to hear about the lymph node and liver biopsy results.

    Anyone have experience or opinion on liver embolisation or next steps?

    Thank you all for your support.  I come to this site because of your positive comments and hopeful nature.  I think I am a lucky person to have found this.

    Andrea

     

    Great to hear your surgery

    Great to hear your surgery went so well, please have a speedy recovery!

  • Easyflip
    Easyflip Member Posts: 588 Member
    Andrea

    Great news about the surgery! Now you want to get your GI tract working. I was constipated from the pain meds so a lot of prune juice worked for me. My laporoscopic surgery went through my belly button and it looked funny but once it healed it went back to normal. Is the embolisation to shrink the tumors prior to removal? That's what I would push for. Folfox next? Recent studies have shown 8 or maybe even 6 rounds are as effective as 12, something to think about. I also recall a study which found folfoxfiri plus maybe one other drug was best, sort of like throwing the kitchen sink at it right from the start, ask your onc. Good luck and it sounds like a good start! Pulling for you!

    Easyflip/Richard

  • sflgirl
    sflgirl Member Posts: 220 Member
    Easyflip said:

    Andrea

    Great news about the surgery! Now you want to get your GI tract working. I was constipated from the pain meds so a lot of prune juice worked for me. My laporoscopic surgery went through my belly button and it looked funny but once it healed it went back to normal. Is the embolisation to shrink the tumors prior to removal? That's what I would push for. Folfox next? Recent studies have shown 8 or maybe even 6 rounds are as effective as 12, something to think about. I also recall a study which found folfoxfiri plus maybe one other drug was best, sort of like throwing the kitchen sink at it right from the start, ask your onc. Good luck and it sounds like a good start! Pulling for you!

    Easyflip/Richard

    Thank Richard
    I don't know

    Thank Richard

    I don't know much about the names of chemo so thanks for heading me in the right direction.  I will do some research to become familiar with what you quoted.

    Thanks for all the good wishes.  Hope everyone is doing well.  I see Kim is taking a break, she is a bright spot so I know you will miss her.

    Be well and I'll let you know what happens next :}

    Andrea

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    sflgirl said:

    Thank Richard
    I don't know

    Thank Richard

    I don't know much about the names of chemo so thanks for heading me in the right direction.  I will do some research to become familiar with what you quoted.

    Thanks for all the good wishes.  Hope everyone is doing well.  I see Kim is taking a break, she is a bright spot so I know you will miss her.

    Be well and I'll let you know what happens next :}

    Andrea

    Andrea

    hey there. Wanted to chime in on your Stage IV and liver tumors.  When I was informed of my cancer they gave me two weeks without chemo and 4 to 6 months if I had chemo, a year ago my oncologist brought up how hopeless my case was, and yet here I am FIVE YEARS later still hanging around, and yes, still with liver mets (Again).

    The chemo took 7 months before I was deemed ready for surgery at which time they took out my colon tumor, liver tumors and ureter tumor, leaving just the lung tumors in place, and standard is to wait 4 weeks because you really need to be healed from this surgery first, so take the time to enjoy and enjoy the four weeks, I've waited up to six weeks between surgery and chemo.  

    As for the chemo, there are a lot of different kinds and your onc will suggest what he thinks is best for you.  After you are on it, usually three months they do a CT scan to see how it is working, if it isn't they'll change chemo's and if it is working they will keep you on it until tumors are shrunk enough.

    When they let you know what type of chemo, come on the board and let us know, because others here will have had the same chemo's and can tell you what to expect and how to cope with it.  You will usually be sent to a chemo class where they will explain to you your chemo and possible side affects, but they really don't get into good details, like you will find here. Chemo isn't as bad as portrayed on a lot of TV shows, they have medications that will help many of the side effects you might get (I really have had very few side effects) or what you can do to make things better for yourself.  That is what I love about this board, so much helpful information.

    When I was told I had liver mets, Everytime I came across a mirror I looked for yellow eyes, because like you, I thought that was what was going to get me, I finally stopped looking after about three months and started to really enjoy my life instead of letting cancer take over.

    Now quite a few people will become NED (no evidence of disease) after resections, so fingers and toes crossed that this will happen to you :), there are quite a few people here that are NED and they keep around to give us hope and encouragement.

    All my best to you, and welcome aboard our community, we are happy to have you (just not happy about the reason) here with us.

    Winter Marie

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member

    Andrea

    hey there. Wanted to chime in on your Stage IV and liver tumors.  When I was informed of my cancer they gave me two weeks without chemo and 4 to 6 months if I had chemo, a year ago my oncologist brought up how hopeless my case was, and yet here I am FIVE YEARS later still hanging around, and yes, still with liver mets (Again).

    The chemo took 7 months before I was deemed ready for surgery at which time they took out my colon tumor, liver tumors and ureter tumor, leaving just the lung tumors in place, and standard is to wait 4 weeks because you really need to be healed from this surgery first, so take the time to enjoy and enjoy the four weeks, I've waited up to six weeks between surgery and chemo.  

    As for the chemo, there are a lot of different kinds and your onc will suggest what he thinks is best for you.  After you are on it, usually three months they do a CT scan to see how it is working, if it isn't they'll change chemo's and if it is working they will keep you on it until tumors are shrunk enough.

    When they let you know what type of chemo, come on the board and let us know, because others here will have had the same chemo's and can tell you what to expect and how to cope with it.  You will usually be sent to a chemo class where they will explain to you your chemo and possible side affects, but they really don't get into good details, like you will find here. Chemo isn't as bad as portrayed on a lot of TV shows, they have medications that will help many of the side effects you might get (I really have had very few side effects) or what you can do to make things better for yourself.  That is what I love about this board, so much helpful information.

    When I was told I had liver mets, Everytime I came across a mirror I looked for yellow eyes, because like you, I thought that was what was going to get me, I finally stopped looking after about three months and started to really enjoy my life instead of letting cancer take over.

    Now quite a few people will become NED (no evidence of disease) after resections, so fingers and toes crossed that this will happen to you :), there are quite a few people here that are NED and they keep around to give us hope and encouragement.

    All my best to you, and welcome aboard our community, we are happy to have you (just not happy about the reason) here with us.

    Winter Marie

    You had a Chemo class?

    I would have liked a chemo class. I would have liked a radiation class too. I didn't get either. What information I got was from this wonderful forum, and its even more wonderful members. I remember getting a very detailed PM from a member about the horrific side effects from radiation. How grateful I was for that email, because I went through exactly what he had described, and even though you can never be ready for that kind of pain, I was ready in my head and knew that I wasn't the only one. 

    I am heading in to see my Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist tomorrow and plan to mention how I think it would help if they were a little bit more infomative about the amount and severity of the side effects. It really does help to be prepared, even if you don't suffer any of them in the end. 

    So, a chemo class. I think thats a wonderful idea, but sadly it is not available to everyone. 

    Sue - Trurbit

  • sflgirl
    sflgirl Member Posts: 220 Member

    Andrea

    hey there. Wanted to chime in on your Stage IV and liver tumors.  When I was informed of my cancer they gave me two weeks without chemo and 4 to 6 months if I had chemo, a year ago my oncologist brought up how hopeless my case was, and yet here I am FIVE YEARS later still hanging around, and yes, still with liver mets (Again).

    The chemo took 7 months before I was deemed ready for surgery at which time they took out my colon tumor, liver tumors and ureter tumor, leaving just the lung tumors in place, and standard is to wait 4 weeks because you really need to be healed from this surgery first, so take the time to enjoy and enjoy the four weeks, I've waited up to six weeks between surgery and chemo.  

    As for the chemo, there are a lot of different kinds and your onc will suggest what he thinks is best for you.  After you are on it, usually three months they do a CT scan to see how it is working, if it isn't they'll change chemo's and if it is working they will keep you on it until tumors are shrunk enough.

    When they let you know what type of chemo, come on the board and let us know, because others here will have had the same chemo's and can tell you what to expect and how to cope with it.  You will usually be sent to a chemo class where they will explain to you your chemo and possible side affects, but they really don't get into good details, like you will find here. Chemo isn't as bad as portrayed on a lot of TV shows, they have medications that will help many of the side effects you might get (I really have had very few side effects) or what you can do to make things better for yourself.  That is what I love about this board, so much helpful information.

    When I was told I had liver mets, Everytime I came across a mirror I looked for yellow eyes, because like you, I thought that was what was going to get me, I finally stopped looking after about three months and started to really enjoy my life instead of letting cancer take over.

    Now quite a few people will become NED (no evidence of disease) after resections, so fingers and toes crossed that this will happen to you :), there are quite a few people here that are NED and they keep around to give us hope and encouragement.

    All my best to you, and welcome aboard our community, we are happy to have you (just not happy about the reason) here with us.

    Winter Marie

    Thank you Marie! 
    I truly

    Thank you Marie! 

    I truly appreciate uplifting stories and reasons for hopefulness. 

    I read your profile, you have been through so much and you are still here!  Must be your fighting spirit and willingness to embrace each day.

    I will not look for yellow eyes in the mirror, lol.  Good advice.

    Andrea

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    Trubrit said:

    You had a Chemo class?

    I would have liked a chemo class. I would have liked a radiation class too. I didn't get either. What information I got was from this wonderful forum, and its even more wonderful members. I remember getting a very detailed PM from a member about the horrific side effects from radiation. How grateful I was for that email, because I went through exactly what he had described, and even though you can never be ready for that kind of pain, I was ready in my head and knew that I wasn't the only one. 

    I am heading in to see my Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist tomorrow and plan to mention how I think it would help if they were a little bit more infomative about the amount and severity of the side effects. It really does help to be prepared, even if you don't suffer any of them in the end. 

    So, a chemo class. I think thats a wonderful idea, but sadly it is not available to everyone. 

    Sue - Trurbit

    Helpful info a must

    My sister's onc office had an intro class for chemo and radiation patients and also gave them a binder of useful info.  While it did not go into specifics of each chemo, it did give you a sense of what you might expect and the most important info was an after hours phone number for ANY concerns or issues.  It was vital to know that they cared...no matter what time of day or night.

    At her chemo sessions she always got a printout of her current blood work and what pre-meds and chemo she got, plus possible side effects.

    They were superior in patient care and communications. 

    Wish all could have that kind of care.

    Marie who loves kitties

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    WooHoo

    So glad that you are home and the surgery was successful.  Hope you continue to do well.  Glad the walking helped.  It does hurt, but it sure does help.  Good luck and hope you have a speedy recovery.

    Kim