Mom diagnosed with cervical cancer

ccfighter

ren12 said:

Found out today mom starts

Found out today mom starts radiation/chemo Tuesday!! I am so excited. I hated the waiting. She will be getting cisplatin and linear. I am told this is small dose with little side effects

So glad you guys have a plan.

So glad you guys have a plan.  Adjuvant treatment. Is much easier then prinary treatment.  She will be fine.  Many wishes For an easy treatment and speedy recovery.  Hugs.

ren12

ccfighter said:

So glad you guys have a plan.

So glad you guys have a plan.  Adjuvant treatment. Is much easier then prinary treatment.  She will be fine.  Many wishes For an easy treatment and speedy recovery.  Hugs.

Mom is still getting her

Mom is still getting her chemo/radiation and 2 weeks ago they did another cat scan. Cat scan confirmed tumor is back and fully aggressive. She had a phyiscal exam today and he thought chemo/radiation has reduced its size by 50%. The tumor is causing complications with the urinary tract of the right kidney. The dr has ordered an immediate stint to open they tract. Waiting to hear when she goes in for that. This will allow both kidneys to work again. She is also still on catheter since her surgery!! She is always in severe pain in her abdomen and legs. Her medication has been upgraded twice the reccomended. Nausea is still awful so they have also given her something for that. She is encourged to eat foods in high fat and protein. She is getting so skinny. Anyone have anything similar to offer advice? Thank you!!

ccfighter

ren12 said:

Mom is still getting her

Mom is still getting her chemo/radiation and 2 weeks ago they did another cat scan. Cat scan confirmed tumor is back and fully aggressive. She had a phyiscal exam today and he thought chemo/radiation has reduced its size by 50%. The tumor is causing complications with the urinary tract of the right kidney. The dr has ordered an immediate stint to open they tract. Waiting to hear when she goes in for that. This will allow both kidneys to work again. She is also still on catheter since her surgery!! She is always in severe pain in her abdomen and legs. Her medication has been upgraded twice the reccomended. Nausea is still awful so they have also given her something for that. She is encourged to eat foods in high fat and protein. She is getting so skinny. Anyone have anything similar to offer advice? Thank you!!

Ren,

I'm so sorry your mother is having such a hard time.  Have they changed her radiation dose to a higher primary treatment for the recurrent tumor or have they continued with the adjuvant dose?  Also speak to the doctors about starting on a combination chemo regimine such as carbo/taxol.  Avastin is also recently approved for cervical cancer and starves the tumor of its blood supply.  

For weight gain I will suggest marijuanna to increase appetite and reduce nausea.  Full fat yogurts are also good.  Instead of focusing on nutrition try to find the foods your mom is enjoying and is willing to eat and have a lot of it around for her.  Emend, compazine, zofran, Ativan and aloxi are commonly prescribed anti-nausea meds.  Sometimes you have to try a combination to find what will work.    There are pain pumps which you could bring up with your doctor.  I don't know how often these are used.  It is a catheter inserted into the area of the nerves in which pain arises and a numbing medicine is delivered directly to those nerves to relieve the pain.  

 

Thinking of your mom and sending healing energy.  Hugs.

ren12

ccfighter said:

Ren,

I'm so sorry your mother is having such a hard time.  Have they changed her radiation dose to a higher primary treatment for the recurrent tumor or have they continued with the adjuvant dose?  Also speak to the doctors about starting on a combination chemo regimine such as carbo/taxol.  Avastin is also recently approved for cervical cancer and starves the tumor of its blood supply.  

For weight gain I will suggest marijuanna to increase appetite and reduce nausea.  Full fat yogurts are also good.  Instead of focusing on nutrition try to find the foods your mom is enjoying and is willing to eat and have a lot of it around for her.  Emend, compazine, zofran, Ativan and aloxi are commonly prescribed anti-nausea meds.  Sometimes you have to try a combination to find what will work.    There are pain pumps which you could bring up with your doctor.  I don't know how often these are used.  It is a catheter inserted into the area of the nerves in which pain arises and a numbing medicine is delivered directly to those nerves to relieve the pain.  

 

Thinking of your mom and sending healing energy.  Hugs.

I'm not sure if they have

I'm not sure if they have changed her radiation dose but I will find out. Had no idea that was possible. She went yesterday for the stint and they discovered the was mass on both sides in her urinary tract tube. They were able to get in a stint in the left side but right side was to blcoked. They said she has to have two healthy kidneys!! So they inserted a tube to drain her kidney until Tuesday then she will go back and they will try the stint again. They told us her kidney was aslo swollen due to the tube being pressed from tumor and urine had been running into it. She is being very positive and told her DR to do what he needs to do and she believes he will get rid of this. He said she had a very aggressive tumor that seems to keep getting the upper hand and sometimes the man upstairs has other plans for us. Which makes that very hard to hear. He reminded us while my mom was in recovery that her prognosis is very different than when we first began. Almost like he was preparing us. He said her tumor growing back so quickly was rare and she was defintly in the minority group with that. I stay strong around her, but come home and cry. I dont know what to do.

ren12

ren12 said:

I'm not sure if they have

I'm not sure if they have changed her radiation dose but I will find out. Had no idea that was possible. She went yesterday for the stint and they discovered the was mass on both sides in her urinary tract tube. They were able to get in a stint in the left side but right side was to blcoked. They said she has to have two healthy kidneys!! So they inserted a tube to drain her kidney until Tuesday then she will go back and they will try the stint again. They told us her kidney was aslo swollen due to the tube being pressed from tumor and urine had been running into it. She is being very positive and told her DR to do what he needs to do and she believes he will get rid of this. He said she had a very aggressive tumor that seems to keep getting the upper hand and sometimes the man upstairs has other plans for us. Which makes that very hard to hear. He reminded us while my mom was in recovery that her prognosis is very different than when we first began. Almost like he was preparing us. He said her tumor growing back so quickly was rare and she was defintly in the minority group with that. I stay strong around her, but come home and cry. I dont know what to do.

On a better note, they have

On a better note, they have given her a pain patch that she changes every 3 days. She has no pain at all!!!

ccfighter

ren12 said:

On a better note, they have

On a better note, they have given her a pain patch that she changes every 3 days. She has no pain at all!!!

I'm so glad that they have

I'm so glad that they have her pain under control.  That is wonderful news.  I am sorry that your mother is going through this.  I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.  Sending healing energy and lots of warm hugs.

FightingSpirit

ren12 said:

On a better note, they have

On a better note, they have given her a pain patch that she changes every 3 days. She has no pain at all!!!

Thinking of You

Ren,

So sorry to hear about you and your Mom's struggles with this disease.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Since I chose an alternative route, I don't really have any advice or insight into treatment, but wanted to offer you support and encouragement.  Research, research, research and don't be afraid to ask questions about other options/trials.  Have the doctor's discussed changing her chemo cocktail yet or is it too soon?

Take care,

Fighting

ren12

FightingSpirit said:

Thinking of You

Ren,

So sorry to hear about you and your Mom's struggles with this disease.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Since I chose an alternative route, I don't really have any advice or insight into treatment, but wanted to offer you support and encouragement.  Research, research, research and don't be afraid to ask questions about other options/trials.  Have the doctor's discussed changing her chemo cocktail yet or is it too soon?

Take care,

Fighting

Thank you CCFighter!! And

Thank you CCFighter!! And FightingSpirit I'm curious, alternative route? As far as I know I think she only has chemo 2 more times. They said she would have a total of 6. They didnt say anything yesterday about changing anything. I wasnt aware they did that or I would have asked that yetsreday for sure!! Wonder wht they havent mentioned anything like that.

ren12

ren12 said:

Thank you CCFighter!! And

Thank you CCFighter!! And FightingSpirit I'm curious, alternative route? As far as I know I think she only has chemo 2 more times. They said she would have a total of 6. They didnt say anything yesterday about changing anything. I wasnt aware they did that or I would have asked that yetsreday for sure!! Wonder wht they havent mentioned anything like that.

Shasta34 I have been

Shasta34 I have been wondering how you and your mom are doing

FightingSpirit

ren12 said:

Thank you CCFighter!! And

Thank you CCFighter!! And FightingSpirit I'm curious, alternative route? As far as I know I think she only has chemo 2 more times. They said she would have a total of 6. They didnt say anything yesterday about changing anything. I wasnt aware they did that or I would have asked that yetsreday for sure!! Wonder wht they havent mentioned anything like that.

"He reminded us while my mom was in recovery that her prognosis is very different than when we first began. Almost like he was preparing us. He said her tumor growing back so quickly was rare and she was defintly in the minority group with that. I stay strong around her, but come home and cry. I dont know what to do. "  

 

Dearest Ren,

As I said, I don't know what other chemo/rad/surgery options are available if first line chemo doesn't work since I have taken a different route.  Perhaps the ladies who have been successfully fighting this disease conventionally for years can help???  I decided that chemo and radiation would be my last option instead of my first, so all of my research has been in the naturopathic and alternative treatment arenas.

My suggestion is that you reach out to people like ccfighter (here and on other boards) and ask them to point you in the right direction for researching your next options NOW so you can be prepared to converse with the doctors about next steps JUST IN CASE this chemo is not successful.  It's not unusual that we don't ask questions.  We always assume that the doctors know best, especially when we are dealing with the overwhelming emotions and fear surrounding cancer.  I'm just suggesting that you and your Mom can start searching to see what else is available since this doctor is not sounding optimistic.  Don't get discouraged, get busy!!! 

Also, don't be afraid to ask the doctor "What is the plan going forward if the chemo does or does not work?"  Remember, the doctor's are there to work WITH you and FOR you.  If you have questions, ask.  If you have doubts, get a 2nd , 3rd or even 4th opinion.  Told you're out of options or want to take the road less traveled?...check out clinical trials.  Ultimately, it is in God's hands; but from what I've seen here and on other boards, you are at the beginning of this journey and there are people willing to help you through this.

Cry if you must, but stay strong and prayerful as well.  You will get through this.

{{Hugs}}

Fighting

FightingSpirit

ren12 said:

Shasta34 I have been

Shasta34 I have been wondering how you and your mom are doing

"And FightingSpirit I'm

"And FightingSpirit I'm curious, alternative route? "

Ren,

I had 1b1 grade 3 endocervical adenocarcinoma with 2 positive pelvic lymph nodes.  I was misdiagnosed prior to surgery with uterine cancer, so fortunately they automatically did a radical hysterectomy, lymphedectomy (sp), removed the omentum and did a pelvic wash.  Since there was no cancer in the washings or surrounding areas and they were able to remove all visible cancer, I chose not to have the recommended preventive radiation and chemotherapy as a first line treatment.  Instead, I chose to use various natural cancer protocols to work with my immune system to fight any remaining cancer cells.  I am currently NED per my CT scan in October.  Also, according to another test I use to monitor my progress, the number of active cancer cells in my body are decreasing.

My regimen consists of various supplements, herbs and special dietary requirements.  If you click on my name, you can see my regimen.  In addition to what is posted, I am also 80% raw, take 25 other vitamin/supplement pills, eat 15-20 apricot kernals, drink 64 oz of green smoothie daily and 80-100 oz alkaline water daily.  It's hard work, and I do cheat from time to time, but I feel great, look healthy and have lots of energy.  Do I still worry that the cancer will come back?  Yes, but I am more afraid of the chemo and radiation, so this works for me.

Take care,

Fighting

ren12

FightingSpirit said:

"And FightingSpirit I'm

"And FightingSpirit I'm curious, alternative route? "

Ren,

I had 1b1 grade 3 endocervical adenocarcinoma with 2 positive pelvic lymph nodes.  I was misdiagnosed prior to surgery with uterine cancer, so fortunately they automatically did a radical hysterectomy, lymphedectomy (sp), removed the omentum and did a pelvic wash.  Since there was no cancer in the washings or surrounding areas and they were able to remove all visible cancer, I chose not to have the recommended preventive radiation and chemotherapy as a first line treatment.  Instead, I chose to use various natural cancer protocols to work with my immune system to fight any remaining cancer cells.  I am currently NED per my CT scan in October.  Also, according to another test I use to monitor my progress, the number of active cancer cells in my body are decreasing.

My regimen consists of various supplements, herbs and special dietary requirements.  If you click on my name, you can see my regimen.  In addition to what is posted, I am also 80% raw, take 25 other vitamin/supplement pills, eat 15-20 apricot kernals, drink 64 oz of green smoothie daily and 80-100 oz alkaline water daily.  It's hard work, and I do cheat from time to time, but I feel great, look healthy and have lots of energy.  Do I still worry that the cancer will come back?  Yes, but I am more afraid of the chemo and radiation, so this works for me.

Take care,

Fighting

Thnak you so much!! I will

Thnak you so much!! I will defintly look. Just wondering after chem/radidation if there is still cancer if she could try that. I'm just so nervous it will still be there after treatment so I'm trying to figure out what to do. Sounds like this is working for you, which is wonderful!!!! ) So, defintley worth giving it a try!! 

ren12

FightingSpirit said:

"He reminded us while my mom was in recovery that her prognosis is very different than when we first began. Almost like he was preparing us. He said her tumor growing back so quickly was rare and she was defintly in the minority group with that. I stay strong around her, but come home and cry. I dont know what to do. "  

 

Dearest Ren,

As I said, I don't know what other chemo/rad/surgery options are available if first line chemo doesn't work since I have taken a different route.  Perhaps the ladies who have been successfully fighting this disease conventionally for years can help???  I decided that chemo and radiation would be my last option instead of my first, so all of my research has been in the naturopathic and alternative treatment arenas.

My suggestion is that you reach out to people like ccfighter (here and on other boards) and ask them to point you in the right direction for researching your next options NOW so you can be prepared to converse with the doctors about next steps JUST IN CASE this chemo is not successful.  It's not unusual that we don't ask questions.  We always assume that the doctors know best, especially when we are dealing with the overwhelming emotions and fear surrounding cancer.  I'm just suggesting that you and your Mom can start searching to see what else is available since this doctor is not sounding optimistic.  Don't get discouraged, get busy!!! 

Also, don't be afraid to ask the doctor "What is the plan going forward if the chemo does or does not work?"  Remember, the doctor's are there to work WITH you and FOR you.  If you have questions, ask.  If you have doubts, get a 2nd , 3rd or even 4th opinion.  Told you're out of options or want to take the road less traveled?...check out clinical trials.  Ultimately, it is in God's hands; but from what I've seen here and on other boards, you are at the beginning of this journey and there are people willing to help you through this.

Cry if you must, but stay strong and prayerful as well.  You will get through this.

{{Hugs}}

Fighting

I have my good and bad days

I have my good and bad days and I have to say yesterday has been the worst day for me by far. Getting up this morning and logging into this and reading this has really helped. You have no idea how much!! Thank you!! Sending prayers and hugs your way.

ren12

ren12 said:

I have my good and bad days

I have my good and bad days and I have to say yesterday has been the worst day for me by far. Getting up this morning and logging into this and reading this has really helped. You have no idea how much!! Thank you!! Sending prayers and hugs your way.

They tried to put the stint

They tried to put the stint in moms urinary tract tube again yesterday but it didnt work. She has the tube to drain it some more and they can try the stint ONE MORE time. This will be on Jan 2nd. They said it looks like it has been blocked for a long time and its possible they cant get the stsint in because her kidney isnt working right. I woke yesterday just knowing it was going to go right in, and of course it didnt. I have been trying very hard to stay positive, but this is getting hard when you never recieve any good news.

ccfighter

ren12 said:

They tried to put the stint

They tried to put the stint in moms urinary tract tube again yesterday but it didnt work. She has the tube to drain it some more and they can try the stint ONE MORE time. This will be on Jan 2nd. They said it looks like it has been blocked for a long time and its possible they cant get the stsint in because her kidney isnt working right. I woke yesterday just knowing it was going to go right in, and of course it didnt. I have been trying very hard to stay positive, but this is getting hard when you never recieve any good news.

Oh, your poor mom.  I'm sorry

Oh, your poor mom.  I'm sorry she has to go through this.  I hope that jan 2 will be a good day for you both and they can get the stint in easy.  This is a rocky road but stay hopeful.  Clinical trials may be of some benefit but they usually require that you have had systemic chemo.  Quality time through the holidays will lift your spirits and renew your energy for the fight.  Hugs to you and your mom.  Stay strong, but cry when you need to.  We are all here for you.

ren12

ccfighter said:

Oh, your poor mom.  I'm sorry

Oh, your poor mom.  I'm sorry she has to go through this.  I hope that jan 2 will be a good day for you both and they can get the stint in easy.  This is a rocky road but stay hopeful.  Clinical trials may be of some benefit but they usually require that you have had systemic chemo.  Quality time through the holidays will lift your spirits and renew your energy for the fight.  Hugs to you and your mom.  Stay strong, but cry when you need to.  We are all here for you.

2013 has been the worst year

2013 has been the worst year by far for my family. With the power of prayer 2014 WILL be better!!! I am asking for prayer warriors once again. Mom will go to have her stint put in her urinary tract tube on the 2nd. This will be the last time they can try it. I wish health and happiness to all of you for 2014 and many more years to come.

NoTimeForCancer

ren12 said:

2013 has been the worst year

2013 has been the worst year by far for my family. With the power of prayer 2014 WILL be better!!! I am asking for prayer warriors once again. Mom will go to have her stint put in her urinary tract tube on the 2nd. This will be the last time they can try it. I wish health and happiness to all of you for 2014 and many more years to come.

My prayer for your mother

May God hold your mother in His loving hands. 

debrajo

ren12 said:

2013 has been the worst year

2013 has been the worst year by far for my family. With the power of prayer 2014 WILL be better!!! I am asking for prayer warriors once again. Mom will go to have her stint put in her urinary tract tube on the 2nd. This will be the last time they can try it. I wish health and happiness to all of you for 2014 and many more years to come.

Praying for your Mother...and

Praying for your Mother...and you!  It can be hard to be the strenght of a family so take care of yourself.  Many Blessings in the New Year and always,  Best Debrajo

FightingSpirit

ren12 said:

2013 has been the worst year

2013 has been the worst year by far for my family. With the power of prayer 2014 WILL be better!!! I am asking for prayer warriors once again. Mom will go to have her stint put in her urinary tract tube on the 2nd. This will be the last time they can try it. I wish health and happiness to all of you for 2014 and many more years to come.

Praying

Sending up prayers for you and your Mom.  How are you holding up?

ren12

FightingSpirit said:

Praying

Sending up prayers for you and your Mom.  How are you holding up?

Thank you all so much!! I am

Thank you all so much!! I am a nervous wreck about tomorrow. I just have to remind myself to have positve thoughts.