Update on my fave perineural-invaded husband

TheNewNormal

Hello All, 

    I hope this email finds you all doing well, and enjoying the holiday season.  Just thought I would update you on my husband's condition.  His CT scan, surely the first of many, came back "normal" other than the anal cancer site of course.   So the battle lines have been drawn!!  And the battle will begin on Dec 21, unless the PET and ultrasound show that the cancer is not particularly deep.   Then they might be able to handle this with just surgery alone.  But they all cautioned us not to expect that outcome, because as you all know, this is not the type of cancer that is typically caught early.   Having said that, it is certainly comforting to know that a cancer that is generally caught later in the progression is still one that has such a generally good prognosis.  

    So we are bracing ourselves for a tough winter slog with the chemo/rad.  I am a little nervous about the fact that this will all be going on during the height of the cough/cold/flu season.  Anyone have any advice or experience with getting sick from such illnesses during treatment?  Anyone had to interrupt treatment for that reason?   Any recommended precautions, other than quarantine?  We have tons of purell all ready to go, but we also have little kiddos with perpetually runny noses!  Any thoughts? 

Sending you all good vibes...

Carolyn

mp327

Carolyn

That's very good news on the scan.  The tumor is localized with no spread to other sites, which greatly increases the chance for total obliteration of this disease!  As for not catching germs, I would not be at all hesitant to wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer every where I go.  Hospitals/clinics/doctor's offices are germ sess pools, so every bit of defense should be used.  I tried not to go out in public any more than necessary and avoided crowds, kids and sick people as much as possible.

I know you are both counting down the days until the beginning of treatment.  Use this time to get all the things together that will help with any potential side effects.  Also, if your husband is up to it, do something you both really enjoy.  Remember, the next few weeks are only a blip in your life and will soon be behind you.  You both will get through this!

Martha

lizdeli

mp327 said:

Carolyn

That's very good news on the scan.  The tumor is localized with no spread to other sites, which greatly increases the chance for total obliteration of this disease!  As for not catching germs, I would not be at all hesitant to wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer every where I go.  Hospitals/clinics/doctor's offices are germ sess pools, so every bit of defense should be used.  I tried not to go out in public any more than necessary and avoided crowds, kids and sick people as much as possible.

I know you are both counting down the days until the beginning of treatment.  Use this time to get all the things together that will help with any potential side effects.  Also, if your husband is up to it, do something you both really enjoy.  Remember, the next few weeks are only a blip in your life and will soon be behind you.  You both will get through this!

Martha

Carolyn

i am happy and relieved to hear that the cancer has not spread. As for avoiding germs during treatment - it is hard but there are things that help. As Martha said, wearing a mask is advisable especially with small children around. Sanitizer is a must. Avoid door knobs, shaking hands and large crowds.  I washed my hands a lot and only used paper towels to dry them. I don't know how old your children are, but if they are old enough to understand maybe make washing hands a family thing so they get used to doing it frequently. 

I hope your husband is encouraged by the scan results. One day at a time. 

Liz

lp1964

Dear Friend,

I remember 2 years ago I was going through chemo in the winter. Everybody was sick around me but I never got it. I have a secret weapon. As soon as I feel the cold or flu coming on I take 800mg Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) with a hot cup of tea and repeat it 3 times a day if needed. I haven't been sick in ages even though my white blood cells are at the minimum of 4000. 

Wish you guys an easy time with the treatment.

Laz

TraceyUSA

Carolyn

I went through treatment in the Jan. - Mar. timeframe, so I know exactly what you mean.  I was a germ phob and used hand sanitizer and wipes everywhere I went.  I tried to avoid crowds and ill people.  I limited visitors (and quite honestly I was up to seeing people anyway).  Took my own pen to sign at doc. offices, pharmacies, etc.  Avoiding germs was one of reason I was glad I was able to be off work the entire time.  Several doctors advised getting the flu shot proior to treatment and one said was up to me as they are only about 50% effective.  I opted not to get the flu shot and did not get a cold or flu during treamtent.  I generally do not get a lot of colds and I swear by Airborne (but did not use this during treatment).