Just diagnosed with cancer

jenben59
jenben59 Member Posts: 136 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I do not know what to do. Can anyone help, please?
«13

Comments

  • Mike49
    Mike49 Member Posts: 261
    #2
    Welcome
    I am not sure how to help but you will find answers as well as better questions for your doctor here. I was diagnosed in September, and have gotten 25% through with chemo following surgery. Ask away, I think you'll get responses.
  • emrose
    emrose Member Posts: 136
    #3
    Sorry you are going through this
    Hello. Sorry to hear about this diagnosis. But it's great that you are being proactive and asking questions!

    My husband was also recently diagnosed and I have found a wealth of information here! He is only 34 years old and this was very overwhelming at first. It sounds like you are looking for direction, and where to turn next. I absolutely understand that feeling. What is your current status? Have you had any treatment or started the "healing" process at all? There are people on this board who caught their cancer at Stage I and can tell you their story, and those who did not catch it until stage IV but are doing great... and everywhere in between! My husband was stage III (diagnosed Dec.9, 2008), meaning his tumor was quite large and it spread to 1 lymph node (out of 26 that they tested) but in a recent scan, it was determined it had NOT spread to any organs. He had surgery which removed all the cancer, and will start chemotherapy in a little while (after we vacation to Mexico!) to increase the odds that it NEVER returns. He is doing great and we have a very positive outlook!!

    With so many advances in cancer research, you should not be too scared - but you must be proactive and seek out good care and do your best to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are many options out there, and the outlook for those diagnosed with colon cancer is very good these days. Statistics on the web are outdated, so don't get too scared reading random articles and numbers on the net. Talk to those with experience (here) and your doctors.

    Do you have specific questions? I am definitely not an expert, but have learned a great deal by coming here. We have started juicing veggies to increase my husbands intake of raw, fresh veggies and will start living a healthier lifestyle. That, with surgery and chemo, is what will get him through this so that it becomes a distant memory some day. We are remaining confident that he's already tackled this, and just has take a few more steps (with his diet and chemo) to ensure it's a done deal! It's not an easy road by any means, but doable considering what's on the line! By staying positive, asking the right questions, and taking things one day at a time, this is a very treatable disease and you can power through it! Anyway, please feel free to ask your questions or vent your concerns and others (who have helped me so much) will be along soon I am sure!
  • keepnthefaith
    keepnthefaith Member Posts: 36
    #4
    Breathe!!
    I am so sorry that you have to be here, but it really is a great place for support and answers to your questions. First thing to do, though, is remember to breathe. There will be people all along the way that will help lead you in the right direction and help you make the right treatment plans for your cancer. I know it is overwhelming at first - just hearing the word cancer made me almost crazy - I was completely caught off guard as I am sure most people are.
    Tell us what you know so far about your particular diagnoses. It's okay if you don't know much at this point. I had Stage IIIa rectal cancer. Doctors at first thought it was Stage I so I had surgery (lower anterior resection) first, then after pathology report came back with Stage III, I went through 25 radiation treatments and 6 months of chemo - just finished in December 2008. Have to say that for me it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated and I am amazed that time flew by so fast.
    Hang in there.
    Felicia
  • jenben59
    jenben59 Member Posts: 136 Member
    #5
    keepnthefaith said:

    Breathe!!
    I am so sorry that you have to be here, but it really is a great place for support and answers to your questions. First thing to do, though, is remember to breathe. There will be people all along the way that will help lead you in the right direction and help you make the right treatment plans for your cancer. I know it is overwhelming at first - just hearing the word cancer made me almost crazy - I was completely caught off guard as I am sure most people are.
    Tell us what you know so far about your particular diagnoses. It's okay if you don't know much at this point. I had Stage IIIa rectal cancer. Doctors at first thought it was Stage I so I had surgery (lower anterior resection) first, then after pathology report came back with Stage III, I went through 25 radiation treatments and 6 months of chemo - just finished in December 2008. Have to say that for me it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated and I am amazed that time flew by so fast.
    Hang in there.
    Felicia

    Thank you for such a quick response.
    In late November I went in for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. I thought, no big deal, have the surgery and recover. I went in December 12th for Diverticulitis surgery and two days after surgery the doctor comes in my room and tells me I have "at least stage IIIc colon cancer". How could a diagnoses of an illness be so different? I just finished two brain surgeries two and a half years ago. My whole life changed and it took just about everything out of me both emotionally and financially. I'm not ready to deal with this. Why didn't I have any symptoms? Colonoscopy test begin when you turn 50, I'm 49. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this. I would appreciate anything you could help me with. Thank you.
  • emrose
    emrose Member Posts: 136
    #6
    jenben59 said:

    Thank you for such a quick response.
    In late November I went in for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. I thought, no big deal, have the surgery and recover. I went in December 12th for Diverticulitis surgery and two days after surgery the doctor comes in my room and tells me I have "at least stage IIIc colon cancer". How could a diagnoses of an illness be so different? I just finished two brain surgeries two and a half years ago. My whole life changed and it took just about everything out of me both emotionally and financially. I'm not ready to deal with this. Why didn't I have any symptoms? Colonoscopy test begin when you turn 50, I'm 49. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this. I would appreciate anything you could help me with. Thank you.

    found out AFTER surgery too
    My husbands story is very similar. First, diagnosed with diverticulitis (Oct. 07) but the DR said surgery wasn't necessary. Then - diagnosed as Crohns disease (June 08) and started treating that with meds. It got worse, so he went in for surgery for the crohns. We were told SEVERAL times that it was NOT cancer. Well, when my husband woke up from surgery I told him the news. What they found was, in fact, a tumor - NOT anything crohns related. And it was also stage III, like you.

    Many people have NO symptoms. My husband is young and the DRs brushed off cancer because of it. He did start to have symptoms, but it was likely there for MANY years and he was just going on living, and had no idea. I have decided to start only thinking about what is in OUR CONTROL: what we eat, the meds we take, and going in for regular check ups. What happened in the past, happened... and unfortunately, it caused cancer. But NOW we know, and we will take the steps to get PAST this.

    For you, like my husband, I see a couple good things:

    1. You have already had the surgery! Wohoo!
    2. With Crohn's or Diverticulitis, you may end up still having to take meds. So, this is different because you have to take different meds (chemo) but it's still a similar path that you were on
    3. Diverticulitis would require major diet changes potentially. It is also good to live a healthy lifestyle now that you know you have Colon Cancer. You could end up being healthier in the long run because you will get more check ups, and pay attention to your diet more.

    As you can see, I try to see the positive in things. In fact, we are looking at Cancer as BETTER than Crohn's. Crohn's is chronic and would potentially require a lifetime of heavy duty meds and more surgeries. We are now staying positive and believe we've taken care of the cancer right in the nick of time. Like you!!

    You are SOOOOO lucky that you got that colonoscopy BEFORE you turned 50! And thank goodness they said surgery! So they could get it outta there!!!

    Remember, one day at a time. Have you met an oncologist? Do you have insurance? Sounds like finances are a concern (I hear ya!!) and many cancer centers have financial specialists that you can sit down with. I would recommend that.

    I know this is very hard to take in. You must be INCREDIBLY strong to have made it through brain surgery. I am very inspired by your ability to get through all of that, and now you just have one more thing to tackle. You are obviously very brave, whether you know it or not. Not many people can say they have been through what you have. This may not be as bad as you are thinking. Just think - they did the surgery and removed the cancer. Now you just have to make sure it doesn't come back. And we are all here to support you when you have questions.

    Again - I am very new to this too! But, I bet others will come along with a bunch of great advice!! We will go through this together :)
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #7
    jenben59 said:

    Thank you for such a quick response.
    In late November I went in for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. I thought, no big deal, have the surgery and recover. I went in December 12th for Diverticulitis surgery and two days after surgery the doctor comes in my room and tells me I have "at least stage IIIc colon cancer". How could a diagnoses of an illness be so different? I just finished two brain surgeries two and a half years ago. My whole life changed and it took just about everything out of me both emotionally and financially. I'm not ready to deal with this. Why didn't I have any symptoms? Colonoscopy test begin when you turn 50, I'm 49. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this. I would appreciate anything you could help me with. Thank you.

    Hi,
    I was
    Hi,
    I was dx at age 48 with st3 colon ca into 6 lymph nodes. Forget the whys and concentrate on the what to dos. You will get plenty of help here. I had surgery and a year of chemo. It worked for me and on jan 22nd I start year 12 still ca free.Other paths have worked for others. The thing that all the survivors have in common is that they actively do whatever they can to beat ca. All the best for a speedy recovery and a return to good health. Ron.
  • pamness
    pamness Member Posts: 524 Member
    #8
    I know what a shock the cancer diagnoses must have been?
    Please make sure you are being treated at a major medical center, where they have a huge amount of expertise in cancer - specifically, colon cancer.

    Most major cities have medical center. Where are you being treated?

    Pam
  • jenben59
    jenben59 Member Posts: 136 Member
    #9
    pamness said:

    I know what a shock the cancer diagnoses must have been?
    Please make sure you are being treated at a major medical center, where they have a huge amount of expertise in cancer - specifically, colon cancer.

    Most major cities have medical center. Where are you being treated?

    Pam

    Medical Center
    I am going to MD Anderson. It's located in Houston, Texas and there is also a branch located in Nassau Bay on Nasa Road 1. Do you know of any medical centers?
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375 Member
    #10
    jenben59 said:

    Thank you for such a quick response.
    In late November I went in for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. I thought, no big deal, have the surgery and recover. I went in December 12th for Diverticulitis surgery and two days after surgery the doctor comes in my room and tells me I have "at least stage IIIc colon cancer". How could a diagnoses of an illness be so different? I just finished two brain surgeries two and a half years ago. My whole life changed and it took just about everything out of me both emotionally and financially. I'm not ready to deal with this. Why didn't I have any symptoms? Colonoscopy test begin when you turn 50, I'm 49. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this. I would appreciate anything you could help me with. Thank you.

    Breathe, breathe and try to relax
    Hi Jenben,

    First, pat yourself on the back for finding what is probably the best and only complete support forum on the internet. There is a lot of information out there... so much so that if you even try to read it, you are going to drive yourself crazy and scare yourself silly. In your first post you asked for help/advice.

    #1 Advice: Stay AWAY from the internet and all the statistics you will find! If any of them were true, we wouldn't need this support board here because we all would have been dead 10 years before we were diagnosed. So, for your internet research, come here and ask questions. Trust me on this one, the best information you are going to get is from those who have been through it themselves!

    #2 Advice: Don't work yourself up into a knot about how could you be diagnosed with diverticulitus and then be told days later that you, in fact, have at least a Stage III cancer. It is not uncommon for the two diagnoses to be confused because the symptoms of both and what they look like on scans are so similar. The "Colonoscopy tests begins when you are 50" is, unfortunately, a myth... one that is taking a long time to get through to the medical field that that is just not the case. People are diagnosed with colon cancer from the age of 20 thru to 99... so when would be the best time for a colonoscopy?

    I, too, was originally diagnosed with diverticulitus. For six months no one could figure out what this chronic pain in my left side was. All my regular tests came back totally normal... but this pain was constant. I have a high threshold to pain, so my regular GP was baffled as to why *I* was in pain when there was nothing to indicate a source for it. He referred me to a gastroenterologist at the same time I had a CAT scan. Sure enough, the CAT scan showed a part of my intestine was inflamed... and he diagnosed diverticulitus on the spot. He explained that I would be put on antibiotics which would bring down the inflamation and when the antibiotics kicked in, the pain would disappear. I would still need the surgery but we would wait until spring (about 5 months later), but he referred me to a surgeon at that time. It was the surgeon who wanted to take a look before scheduling surgery some months down the road and it was him who found the tumour that had perforated the intestinal wall. Had we gone with the diverticulitus diagnosis and waited the 5 months for surgery, he said I would be dead within 3 months.

    Like you, I figured a diagnosis of diverticulitus was no big deal... we'd clean up the inflamation and deal with the surgery in the spring. To be told you not only have cancer, but have a Stage III cancer that, if left alone, I would be a goner within 3 months... well, that's enough to turn your whole world upside down and inside out. You think you are in a bad dream and that you are going to wake up... but it just doesn't go away.

    So, as was advised earlier, breathe!! Take some deep breaths and feel free to scream, rant, rave and vent here on this board. Get that out of your system and then, settle down and make yourself at home here. You will have lots of questions... to ask us, as well, to ask your own doctors. Buy yourself a notebook... seriously!! It will be a Godsend!! Write down every question you want to ask your doctors as they come up (trust me, you won't remember any of them if you haven't written them down).

    But most important... take it one day at a time! You are at the start of a journey... one that will take you on for years and years! Don't think of the length of the journey but more of the day as it appears today. One day at a time. And write down those questions. When you do go to your various doctors' appts., take someone with you. It's amazing how much/little you hear, or you think you heard someone one way and the person who was with you will remind you what was really said. Write those responses down too :)

    Welcome to our little club... a club that is the best to belong to, but not because you actually wanted to be a member ;)

    Huggggggggs,

    Cheryl
  • jenben59
    jenben59 Member Posts: 136 Member
    #11
    pamness said:

    I know what a shock the cancer diagnoses must have been?
    Please make sure you are being treated at a major medical center, where they have a huge amount of expertise in cancer - specifically, colon cancer.

    Most major cities have medical center. Where are you being treated?

    Pam

    Is there any other types of help?
    I've got a lot of other things going on right now. I recently lost just about everything in the IKE flood and still do not have my own place to live. I moved in with my daughter who can not take off from work to help me get through however many months of chemo I'll need. After being out of work for two years for my brain surgeries I used all my savings and retirement money to just live and pay off all the medical bills. I just don't know what to do now. Is there any help out there?
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #12
    Welcome-sorry you have to be here.
    Hi, I know finding out you have cancer can just throw you for a huge loop. You feel like nothing will ever be the same again...and you're right. It won't be the same, because you've faced down a life threatening illness, but there can be much good in your life, as well.

    I don't know if you're a religious person, but I certainly find prayer to be so comforting.

    As you progress through treatments and such, please come back to the board often and ask specific questions. There are so many special people here who will help you.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    #13
    jenben59 said:

    Is there any other types of help?
    I've got a lot of other things going on right now. I recently lost just about everything in the IKE flood and still do not have my own place to live. I moved in with my daughter who can not take off from work to help me get through however many months of chemo I'll need. After being out of work for two years for my brain surgeries I used all my savings and retirement money to just live and pay off all the medical bills. I just don't know what to do now. Is there any help out there?

    So Sorry
    Hi Jenben,

    I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. To echo everyone else, this is the right place to come. If you are going to MD Anderson, you are ahead of the game.

    Personally, I was 49 when I was dx'd, Stage II-B. I only had a colonoscopy because of family history and we found out that we are carrying a mutant gene which causes HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer.) This gene also causes endometrial, stomach,bladder, kidney and some brain cancers. Subsequently, my sisters were also tested and they are positive for this gene, as well. Look for family history of stomach, colon etc cancers & get genetically tested if necessary. Sometimes it is just sporatic cancer, meaning that there is no apparent reason for your diagnosis--just bad luck.

    If you are too overwrought with your financial situation, you will not have the energy to deal with this. I suggest you start applying with Social Security for disability and whatever else you need. Also, many counties have programs which help with situations like yours. If you are a member of a church, you can find not only physical, but spiritual help there. Unless you are really, really ill, you will find that your daughter will not have to care for you to the extent you are imagining. Many people on this forum worked all throught their treatment. (I didn't, but I went in when I could.)

    If you need to, please get on antidepressants. It is rough enough dealing with the idea of this disease without being clinically depressed. The actual physical treatment consists of one step at a time. Try not to think about the whole thing at once. It is a process, a journey. There is no "quick" fix. Each step will bring you closer to being disease-free.

    Jenben, you are in a bad place right now, but everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I know you are feeling financially in a panic right now, but try to check all possible resources one by one. The most important thing is to get in a fighting and survival mindset. Any time you need to talk or ask questions, come here. This was my lifeline through my disease.

    Just know that we are all pulling for you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs,
    Kirsten
  • jenben59
    jenben59 Member Posts: 136 Member
    #14
    tootsie1 said:

    Welcome-sorry you have to be here.
    Hi, I know finding out you have cancer can just throw you for a huge loop. You feel like nothing will ever be the same again...and you're right. It won't be the same, because you've faced down a life threatening illness, but there can be much good in your life, as well.

    I don't know if you're a religious person, but I certainly find prayer to be so comforting.

    As you progress through treatments and such, please come back to the board often and ask specific questions. There are so many special people here who will help you.

    *hugs*
    Gail

    Thank you to everyone who responded
    I have read every reply I received and I feel much better. I truly am "not alone". Today, I just got up and accomplished everday "stuff". I put on my make-up, did my hair, and dressed to go out. The only cancer thing I did today was picking up my lab work before my first doctor visit on Thursday. I really appreciate all the compassion...I do not want to burden my children again after the brain tumors. First, I am going to try and follow your practical advise and experience and when I need to vent, come to this site. Thank you, you make a difference for me.
  • Karmar
    Karmar Member Posts: 42
    #15
    emrose said:

    found out AFTER surgery too
    My husbands story is very similar. First, diagnosed with diverticulitis (Oct. 07) but the DR said surgery wasn't necessary. Then - diagnosed as Crohns disease (June 08) and started treating that with meds. It got worse, so he went in for surgery for the crohns. We were told SEVERAL times that it was NOT cancer. Well, when my husband woke up from surgery I told him the news. What they found was, in fact, a tumor - NOT anything crohns related. And it was also stage III, like you.

    Many people have NO symptoms. My husband is young and the DRs brushed off cancer because of it. He did start to have symptoms, but it was likely there for MANY years and he was just going on living, and had no idea. I have decided to start only thinking about what is in OUR CONTROL: what we eat, the meds we take, and going in for regular check ups. What happened in the past, happened... and unfortunately, it caused cancer. But NOW we know, and we will take the steps to get PAST this.

    For you, like my husband, I see a couple good things:

    1. You have already had the surgery! Wohoo!
    2. With Crohn's or Diverticulitis, you may end up still having to take meds. So, this is different because you have to take different meds (chemo) but it's still a similar path that you were on
    3. Diverticulitis would require major diet changes potentially. It is also good to live a healthy lifestyle now that you know you have Colon Cancer. You could end up being healthier in the long run because you will get more check ups, and pay attention to your diet more.

    As you can see, I try to see the positive in things. In fact, we are looking at Cancer as BETTER than Crohn's. Crohn's is chronic and would potentially require a lifetime of heavy duty meds and more surgeries. We are now staying positive and believe we've taken care of the cancer right in the nick of time. Like you!!

    You are SOOOOO lucky that you got that colonoscopy BEFORE you turned 50! And thank goodness they said surgery! So they could get it outta there!!!

    Remember, one day at a time. Have you met an oncologist? Do you have insurance? Sounds like finances are a concern (I hear ya!!) and many cancer centers have financial specialists that you can sit down with. I would recommend that.

    I know this is very hard to take in. You must be INCREDIBLY strong to have made it through brain surgery. I am very inspired by your ability to get through all of that, and now you just have one more thing to tackle. You are obviously very brave, whether you know it or not. Not many people can say they have been through what you have. This may not be as bad as you are thinking. Just think - they did the surgery and removed the cancer. Now you just have to make sure it doesn't come back. And we are all here to support you when you have questions.

    Again - I am very new to this too! But, I bet others will come along with a bunch of great advice!! We will go through this together :)

    More info
    Dear Em,

    Just read your post and many others and true should stay of the net-My question to you is that did they do a colonoscopy? I always thought that would find cancer? Or am I wrong-You see I was Dx Diverticulosis Dec.29th. Diet change that is actually working-Still have some residule pain-But no polyps or cancer. My concern now is that I am having unrelated surgery on the 21st for a total removal of Female organs. So your help would be greatly appreciated.
    Karen
  • traci43
    traci43 Member Posts: 773 Member
    #16
    jenben59 said:

    Thank you for such a quick response.
    In late November I went in for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. I thought, no big deal, have the surgery and recover. I went in December 12th for Diverticulitis surgery and two days after surgery the doctor comes in my room and tells me I have "at least stage IIIc colon cancer". How could a diagnoses of an illness be so different? I just finished two brain surgeries two and a half years ago. My whole life changed and it took just about everything out of me both emotionally and financially. I'm not ready to deal with this. Why didn't I have any symptoms? Colonoscopy test begin when you turn 50, I'm 49. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this. I would appreciate anything you could help me with. Thank you.

    you're in the right place
    Jen - Everyone's advice is right on -- Breathe!!!!

    I echo the comment don't get caught up in the internet search, it just creates more stress. I too had a different diagnosis pre-surgery--ovarian cancer. Then didn't find the colon cancer until they were inside me. It seems the colon cancer went to my ovaries, so I'm considered stage IV. I too searched for why me, how could this happen, why didn't they find the colon cancer earlier. As some point you'll realize it just is what it is. Then you can really focus on fighting it. If you have questions there are lots of good people on this web site willing to discuss anything related to cancer. You've found a good group here. Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress. Traci
  • emrose
    emrose Member Posts: 136
    #17
    Karmar said:

    More info
    Dear Em,

    Just read your post and many others and true should stay of the net-My question to you is that did they do a colonoscopy? I always thought that would find cancer? Or am I wrong-You see I was Dx Diverticulosis Dec.29th. Diet change that is actually working-Still have some residule pain-But no polyps or cancer. My concern now is that I am having unrelated surgery on the 21st for a total removal of Female organs. So your help would be greatly appreciated.
    Karen

    Colonoscopy
    Hi Karen

    Yes - my husband had TWO colonoscopies, but they didn't find the cancer!! Even though the tumor was so large that the scope could not get through, it was assumed to be scar tissue from crohns. They did biopsies both times, but I guess they didn't get it from the right spot because they came back negative.

    I wouldn't worry about your diagnosis though. My understanding is that diverticulitis is easily diagnosed by a colonoscopy.when my husband was first diagnosed with diverticulitis, he had just had a CT scan. What should have made us ask more questions was that he couldn't get the scope through!! Oh well, lesson learned!

    Problem is now my husband doesn't trust any doctors!! Get a second opinion if you are worried, but if you trust your doctor then... Well... Trust him :)

    I hope your surgery goes well!! Keep us posted
  • impactzone
    impactzone Member Posts: 555 Member
    #18
    jenben59 said:

    Thank you to everyone who responded
    I have read every reply I received and I feel much better. I truly am "not alone". Today, I just got up and accomplished everday "stuff". I put on my make-up, did my hair, and dressed to go out. The only cancer thing I did today was picking up my lab work before my first doctor visit on Thursday. I really appreciate all the compassion...I do not want to burden my children again after the brain tumors. First, I am going to try and follow your practical advise and experience and when I need to vent, come to this site. Thank you, you make a difference for me.

    MD Anderson is one of the
    MD Anderson is one of the best if not the best place you can go. They will know and help you a great deal. So sorry to hear. A couple of other pieces of advice,

    get a flu shot right now
    take care of dental issues immediately before beginning chemo
    keep copies of everything in a folder
    allow others to offer help
    realize you will have great days and terrible days
    vent with people you can
    ask lots of questions and fight for yourself

    all my best
    Chip
  • jenben59
    jenben59 Member Posts: 136 Member
    #19
    Went to an Oncologist at MD Anderson for the first time
    The oncologist went over a lot of basic information and answered questions. What I wondering about is she set up a MRI and CT scans for my abdomen, chest and brain. The MRI for the brain I understand because of my previous brain tumors, but why the others? I am also set up to have a line put in my chest and I'll have to use this small pump with one of the medications running for 2 days a week and then go to MD Anderson for an IV once a week. How do you sleep with a pump and needles in your chest? After the scan and pump is installed, I start chemo on January 15th. You know, I am so scared. I don't know what's going to happen, how I'm going to physically feel, how I am going to be emotionally, am I going to be cured? If anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you very much.
  • Mike49
    Mike49 Member Posts: 261
    #20
    jenben59 said:

    Went to an Oncologist at MD Anderson for the first time
    The oncologist went over a lot of basic information and answered questions. What I wondering about is she set up a MRI and CT scans for my abdomen, chest and brain. The MRI for the brain I understand because of my previous brain tumors, but why the others? I am also set up to have a line put in my chest and I'll have to use this small pump with one of the medications running for 2 days a week and then go to MD Anderson for an IV once a week. How do you sleep with a pump and needles in your chest? After the scan and pump is installed, I start chemo on January 15th. You know, I am so scared. I don't know what's going to happen, how I'm going to physically feel, how I am going to be emotionally, am I going to be cured? If anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you very much.

    sleeping with the pump
    I am three courses into this type of therapy, The port is fairly painless once the initial procedure to place it heals. You only get stuck once and you really don't have much discomfort after that from the needle. You'll need to sleep with the pump and it takes a little modification. I use a lanyard from my ID card at work and hang it around my neck. I then sleep on my back or side and it stays out of the way. I had the same apprehensions, it will not be as bad as you think. Regarding the scans, they always scan wider than the area of the cancer to detect any metastasis or cancer growing elsewhere in the body. I found while its no walk in the park, I feel better each day after chemo and its not as bad as I thought.
  • jenben59
    jenben59 Member Posts: 136 Member
    #21
    Mike49 said:

    sleeping with the pump
    I am three courses into this type of therapy, The port is fairly painless once the initial procedure to place it heals. You only get stuck once and you really don't have much discomfort after that from the needle. You'll need to sleep with the pump and it takes a little modification. I use a lanyard from my ID card at work and hang it around my neck. I then sleep on my back or side and it stays out of the way. I had the same apprehensions, it will not be as bad as you think. Regarding the scans, they always scan wider than the area of the cancer to detect any metastasis or cancer growing elsewhere in the body. I found while its no walk in the park, I feel better each day after chemo and its not as bad as I thought.

    That helps, thank you.
    Maybe I'll get better and adjust to things once the chemo starts and I have a routine. So far, this is the only Web site that answers questions and gives me support. I really don't have a support system where I am staying right now. Thank you.

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