Strange Day

mixleader
mixleader Member Posts: 267 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
What an ususual day. This morning, I was horribly constipated (from the chemo drug) and my anxiety level got so high, I went into the E room. They gave me a delightful enema of molasses and milk and then soap and water. Let me tell you, that is not something I want to do anytime again in the near future. Wow! That was strange. Today I found out about my trip to the Cancer Center at the University of Michigan and I go there tomorrow for a consult. So, I doubt that I will sleep much tonight as I am very apprehensive about what they might tell me tomorrow. This is about a two hour drive from my home, so it promises to be a very long and tiring day, especially with my very low energy level these days. My wife and daughter will be driving and I hope to be napping in the back seat.

Roger

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    Molasses....
    Well, I guess that will make you stay in your seat tomorrow during the drive....LOL. I have never quite heard of that formula in an enema before.

    If they would have thrown in an egg or two and some coffee grounds, you would have had breakfast before the washing up solution.

    I do hope that you get very good news tomorrow, it's been a tough battle, both mentally and physically for you.

    You are tough, stay positive and positive things will happen.

    Thoughts and Prayers, Be Safe,
    John
  • sue5749
    sue5749 Member Posts: 170
    #3
    where do you live?
    Hi Roger, I was just wondering where you live? My husband has throat cancer we live in Monroe, mi. He is going to a cancer center here in Monroe, just opened up in June, part of the Karmado's institute that is on JR, in Detroit. He has had cancer now for almost a year. Has had 35 rad treatments and 7 cemo treatments. He has a feeding tube and has a track. Just wondering where you live? Thanks, Sue
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #4
    Molasses and Milk?
    Never heard of such a thing. And following with soap is scary. My husband, Jim uses plain water and it works fine. Regualr use of prune juice helped also until he got sick on it. Now he won't touch it. It did keep him going when he was able to take it, I even put it in his PEG when he couldn't drink it.
  • palmyrafan
    palmyrafan Member Posts: 396
    #5
    Apprehensive Sleep
    I refer to that as "catnapping" and I hate it. I know it will be difficult but try not to worry about what hasn't arrived yet. Focus on getting the sleep you need and then you will be better able to handle what they do tell you.

    Hang in there and good luck tomorrow. You'll be in my prayers.

    Teresa
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #6
    Hi Roger

    I know about the constipation as I too live with that and it is not any fun. On the trip to see the doc today I will keep you in prayer and hope for the best. Try not to stress about it as it is not good for you.


    God bless my friend
    ╠╣ONDO
  • mixleader
    mixleader Member Posts: 267 Member
    #7
    Road Trip
    The trip to the University of Michigan was today and my wife and daughter drove me there. Once, we had to make an emergency stop as yesterday's enema was still working on me. I can move pretty fast for and old guy on chemo when I have to. Anyway, not much new or exciting from the experts at the University. They did recommend a drug that may help if the current drug (Sutent) fails. We won't know that until early December. They did not sound very optimistic and the atmosphere took on a distinctly sombre tone. If this does not work, then they are estimating 1 to 2 years left for me. So, I am hoping for (A) A miracle or (B) The Sutent slowing down the cancer for a few years. I would also consider a "Hot Tub Time Machine" to return to the Eighties, but I doubt that is practical. Time to start the 'Bucket list'.

    Roger
  • shoeloy
    shoeloy Member Posts: 70
    #8
    mixleader said:

    Road Trip
    The trip to the University of Michigan was today and my wife and daughter drove me there. Once, we had to make an emergency stop as yesterday's enema was still working on me. I can move pretty fast for and old guy on chemo when I have to. Anyway, not much new or exciting from the experts at the University. They did recommend a drug that may help if the current drug (Sutent) fails. We won't know that until early December. They did not sound very optimistic and the atmosphere took on a distinctly sombre tone. If this does not work, then they are estimating 1 to 2 years left for me. So, I am hoping for (A) A miracle or (B) The Sutent slowing down the cancer for a few years. I would also consider a "Hot Tub Time Machine" to return to the Eighties, but I doubt that is practical. Time to start the 'Bucket list'.

    Roger

    Miracles still happen
    Roger we all need to remember that God is still in the miracle business. Will be praying for one to be given to you.

    Loyd
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #9
    mixleader said:

    Road Trip
    The trip to the University of Michigan was today and my wife and daughter drove me there. Once, we had to make an emergency stop as yesterday's enema was still working on me. I can move pretty fast for and old guy on chemo when I have to. Anyway, not much new or exciting from the experts at the University. They did recommend a drug that may help if the current drug (Sutent) fails. We won't know that until early December. They did not sound very optimistic and the atmosphere took on a distinctly sombre tone. If this does not work, then they are estimating 1 to 2 years left for me. So, I am hoping for (A) A miracle or (B) The Sutent slowing down the cancer for a few years. I would also consider a "Hot Tub Time Machine" to return to the Eighties, but I doubt that is practical. Time to start the 'Bucket list'.

    Roger

    Hi Roger

    As they say it is not over till the Fat Lady signs, Hang in there, we need to get you a 10 to 20 year sentence to stay alive. So keeping you in prayer

    Hondo
  • Greend
    Greend Member Posts: 678
    #10
    Trip
    Roger,

    How as the trip?

    Denny
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #11
    mixleader said:

    Road Trip
    The trip to the University of Michigan was today and my wife and daughter drove me there. Once, we had to make an emergency stop as yesterday's enema was still working on me. I can move pretty fast for and old guy on chemo when I have to. Anyway, not much new or exciting from the experts at the University. They did recommend a drug that may help if the current drug (Sutent) fails. We won't know that until early December. They did not sound very optimistic and the atmosphere took on a distinctly sombre tone. If this does not work, then they are estimating 1 to 2 years left for me. So, I am hoping for (A) A miracle or (B) The Sutent slowing down the cancer for a few years. I would also consider a "Hot Tub Time Machine" to return to the Eighties, but I doubt that is practical. Time to start the 'Bucket list'.

    Roger

    Sutent
    Hi Roger, the Sutent will help you push that date. That's at least two years of better medicines and more ideas to beat cancer. Keep your system healthy as you can, and I'm with Hondo, you can look back at the two-year anniversay from many years in the future. You gave me a laugh with your enema story. We can do a lot when motivated.

    best, Hal
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #12
    Greend said:

    Trip
    Roger,

    How as the trip?

    Denny

    G’day Roger

    I too am wondering and hoping all went well with your trip.
    Hondo
  • mixleader
    mixleader Member Posts: 267 Member
    #13
    Hondo said:

    G’day Roger

    I too am wondering and hoping all went well with your trip.
    Hondo

    U of M Trip
    Hi, Hondo and Denny. Thanks for asking about the trip. Well, it wasn't exactly inspirational. It was good to hear that they thought my past and current treatment was okay and it appears that my usual doctors handled the situation as best as it could be done. Unfortunately, that did not work and the cancer spread. The two doctors I met with said stick with the Sutent until we see if it works or not, but neither was enthusiastic about my future. They told me to do things that made me happy and to not get false hopes because they don't expect me to last more than a year or two. However, there is always hope and they have a plan of attack if the current drug does not work. Having a very rare cancer really sucks because they are not well understood and they are underfunded. I kinda figured the docs had bad news when they came back to the exam room with a social worker in tow. Well, I am not giving up yet as miracles do sometimes happen. I just turned 61 and I guess I am going to go ahead and retire from my job. I have been on temporary disability for three months now since I was unable to work. Damn, I hate this.

    Roger
  • Greend
    Greend Member Posts: 678
    #14
    cancer sucks. rare cancer REALLY SUCKS
    Roger,

    Sorry about the feedback but love the attitude, you know it will be tough when they have the socil workers in tow. Go for quality of time and enjoy it.

    Take care and hang tough.

    Denny
  • Greend
    Greend Member Posts: 678
    #15
    cancer sucks. rare cancer REALLY SUCKS
    Roger,

    Sorry about the feedback but love the attitude, you know it will be tough when they have the social workers in tow. Go for quality of time and enjoy it.

    Take care and hang tough.

    Denny
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #16
    Greend said:

    cancer sucks. rare cancer REALLY SUCKS
    Roger,

    Sorry about the feedback but love the attitude, you know it will be tough when they have the social workers in tow. Go for quality of time and enjoy it.

    Take care and hang tough.

    Denny

    Roger
    I'm sorry that they did not have better news for you. Your strength and attitude continue to be an inspiration for me. You know what, retire from that job, and take on the new job of full time taking care of you and focusing on your health and living your life.

    Hugs to you and your family.

    Dawn
  • waywest
    waywest Member Posts: 44
    #17
    mixleader said:

    U of M Trip
    Hi, Hondo and Denny. Thanks for asking about the trip. Well, it wasn't exactly inspirational. It was good to hear that they thought my past and current treatment was okay and it appears that my usual doctors handled the situation as best as it could be done. Unfortunately, that did not work and the cancer spread. The two doctors I met with said stick with the Sutent until we see if it works or not, but neither was enthusiastic about my future. They told me to do things that made me happy and to not get false hopes because they don't expect me to last more than a year or two. However, there is always hope and they have a plan of attack if the current drug does not work. Having a very rare cancer really sucks because they are not well understood and they are underfunded. I kinda figured the docs had bad news when they came back to the exam room with a social worker in tow. Well, I am not giving up yet as miracles do sometimes happen. I just turned 61 and I guess I am going to go ahead and retire from my job. I have been on temporary disability for three months now since I was unable to work. Damn, I hate this.

    Roger

    Hi Roger
    I've been following your posts and so so sorry for the bad news but you don't strike me as a quitter. Anything could happen in 2 years. They are so close to a cure now.
    In the meantime, rack up the credit cards and do everything you have always wanted to do.
    My BFF was given 6 mos to a year. That was in 2006. She just got back from a 3 month trip to India. She had maxed out all her credit and had to mortgage her house to pay everybody when she outlived the forecasted time frame.
    No reason why you can't do the same:)

    Hugs and hope,

    Wendy
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #18
    Greend said:

    cancer sucks. rare cancer REALLY SUCKS
    Roger,

    Sorry about the feedback but love the attitude, you know it will be tough when they have the social workers in tow. Go for quality of time and enjoy it.

    Take care and hang tough.

    Denny

    Hi Roger
    I too am just like you I never gave up and that is why I believe I am still here today. I might have a lot of side affect to fight each day and some pain to live through but all in all I love seeing my grandchildren and hearing there little talk and building Bird houses with them. Keep fighting my friend even when the road ahead looks like it is washed out you will always find a few boards remaining that will let you pass over to the other side.

    Praying for you
    Hondo

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