Why do I care?

camul said:

So sorry you are going through
such a rough period. It is not up to the Doctors when we die, we are all going to die whether we have cancer or not. I was originally told when I was diagnosed with stage iv 3-6 months because the cancer is so aggressive, but here I am now in my 17th month. I can't get down on the floor without help pulling me up, can't put on my own socks and shoes, sleep for what seems like days, then the steroids kick in and I can't sleep at all. I don't have the little ones but I am 54 years old and feel that there is so much left in me.

I know that the weight gain is coming from the meds, a small consolation but at least it is an explanation. No matter how bad it gets, I always know that tomorrow could be better. Just don't give up. Your family doesn't care about the weight, they just want you here.

I checked into some clinical trials but my insurance won't approve them. I live in one of a handful of states that does not require insurance to recognize them as a viable form of treatment even if we are stage iv, and I don't know how comfortable I would be getting something that is so new that they don't really know what the outcome will be.

If you are having doubts, get a second opinion. If nothing else another doctor may be able to give you other options. It is your choice to check out as many second opinions as it takes for you to be comfortable with your diagnosis. I have had a few and love my oncologist, but had to be sure that there was not something else out there that may work better. Maybe there is something to help counteract the se of the steroids. Steroids are hard, they change so much about us. But I would definitely talk to my onco or to another one and see if there is any other viable treatment without the se.

Sending prayers and hugs, I know it isn't much, but I know that they have both helped me. I wish you all the best.

Carol

VickiSam said:

... Just my 2 cents
Please seek an second opinion, or third -- it appears that your current doctor
is not supportive in the manner to which you deserve. She surely does
not sound like a cheerleader of sorts.

Therapist, and medications may be needed to help you thru this very difficult period -
antidepressant, and therapy time may help relieve some stress in your current situation.

Have you contacted a Social Worker there at your Oncology Office? Please see if she
can help with programs that may be available to you.

I am so sorry ...

Strength, Courage and Hope.

Vicki Sam

Frankie Shannon said:

I am so sad things are not
I am so sad things are not going well for you,like the others have said i would see another Onc for second opinion since yours does not give you the support you need.My Onc. told me about clinical trials but so far i have not needed to try them.Yes not sleeping at night will make you grouchy and steroids will put a lot of weight on.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hugs Frankie

mom62 said:

Why You Care
Hi,

The reason you care is because you are thinking of everyone else. You are a strong determined woman who isn't ready to give up. I would want a time element if it was me but to talk about dying is another thing. He/She seems very insensitive. I don't know where you live but Boston has clinical trials available. I'm sorry you are having to go through this. It's never easy, but don't get so down on yourself. Your making a valient effort to deal with it the best you can. I think you are wonderful and will say a prayer for you tonight. You care because you have a heart, your doctor obviously doesn't.

Terry