Mom just diagnosed

Juliejewels
Juliejewels Member Posts: 6
in Anal Cancer #1

My mom was diagnosed with AC 10 days ago. It's a 13cm moderately differentiated squamous cell carinoma tumor. She's 69. Very scared  at all that she's facing- especially at her age. This forum and all of you are invaluable. I'm tentatively planning on taking a leave of absence from work to help my 78 yr old  stepdad with her treatment care. I'm trying to prepare for the worst and hope she doesn't experience that. 

We are anxiously waiting for PET and staging results. 

I never thought we'd be on this journey. I'm a cancer survivor of 16 years, but my treatment for thyroid cancer was nothing like this.

I just want to thank each one of you for sharing on this board. I wouldn't know where else to turn. I feel helpless and heartbroken. 

Comments

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #2
    Mom

    Hi Julie,, I am so sorry that it has been necessary for you to even look for this site. That said, your Mom is very fortunate to have a daughter like you looking out for her. I am from the UK & have to say how fantastic this site is on support both emotional and knowledge sharing. You will find that it's ok to ask any question. Good luck on your Mom's scans.Liz x

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #3
    Mom

    Hi Julie,, I am so sorry that it has been necessary for you to even look for this site. That said, your Mom is very fortunate to have a daughter like you looking out for her. I am from the UK & have to say how fantastic this site is on support both emotional and knowledge sharing. You will find that it's ok to ask any question. Good luck on your Mom's scans.Liz x

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #4
    Hi Julie--

    I'm very sorry you've had to find us and that your mom has to go through treatment for AC.  I'm sure this is a scary time for all of you, but I hope you'll find comfort and support here from people who have been through this.  As a caregiver, I know you want to do all you can to help your mom get through this.  We can offer suggestions on dealing with side effects and lots of other things, so please feel free to ask us questions.  Please let us know when the PET scan results are in--I will be hoping for the best possible news for your mom.  Don't forget to take care of yourself during this time as well.  I wish your mom all the best.

  • Juliejewels
    Juliejewels Member Posts: 6
    #5
    PET scans are all clear!

    PET scans are all clear! That's the best news ever. I ordered a sitz bath today and some other hygiene products to help with this process. I'll keep you posted and ask questions as things come up.  Treatment scheduled to start May 1. 

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #6
    Juliejewels said:

    PET scans are all clear!

    PET scans are all clear! That's the best news ever. I ordered a sitz bath today and some other hygiene products to help with this process. I'll keep you posted and ask questions as things come up.  Treatment scheduled to start May 1. 

    Julie

    That's such great news!  I'm very happy to hear this and I hope it gives you and your mom some relief, knowing that her tumor is localized.  Please keep us posted on how she is doing, especially when she begins treatment. 

  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #7
    Juliejewels said:

    PET scans are all clear!

    PET scans are all clear! That's the best news ever. I ordered a sitz bath today and some other hygiene products to help with this process. I'll keep you posted and ask questions as things come up.  Treatment scheduled to start May 1. 

    Julie
    Hi Julie,
    I am very glad that the PET is clear. It is great that you are able to be there for your Mom. I am sure that your love and support will be her best medicine! Prayers for you and your Mom.
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #8
    Julie

    So sorry about your Mom's diagnosis. Congrats on clear PET scan! This site contains a wealth of information. Wishing you all the best as your Mom begins her treatment journey.

    Ann

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #9
    AZANNIE said:

    Julie

    So sorry about your Mom's diagnosis. Congrats on clear PET scan! This site contains a wealth of information. Wishing you all the best as your Mom begins her treatment journey.

    Ann

    Julie

    Good news on the PET scan! Remember to look after yourself too!  

  • Juliejewels
    Juliejewels Member Posts: 6
    #10
    pializ said:

    Julie

    Good news on the PET scan! Remember to look after yourself too!  

    Mom made it thru first chemo

    Mom made it thru first chemo round w pump and the firest week of rad. She's doing fine but a little nausea and fatigue. She gets depressed when she thinks about the pump. 

    She's hanging in. 

     

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #11
    Juliejewels said:

    Mom made it thru first chemo

    Mom made it thru first chemo round w pump and the firest week of rad. She's doing fine but a little nausea and fatigue. She gets depressed when she thinks about the pump. 

    She's hanging in. 

     

    Julie.....

    Thanks for the update. I remember looking at treatment in terms of weeks and always so happy to be able to cross one off. It did get more difficult by week 3 and sometimes just wanted to get through the day, but we all have made it, and she will too. You are so kind and she is so lucky to have you to lean on. Enjoy your weekend, you both will be in my thoughts.

  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #12
    Juliejewels said:

    Mom made it thru first chemo

    Mom made it thru first chemo round w pump and the firest week of rad. She's doing fine but a little nausea and fatigue. She gets depressed when she thinks about the pump. 

    She's hanging in. 

     

    Julie
    That is great news! I hope both of you can get some rest this weekend. Make sure she eats plenty of protein and keeps well hydrated with water. You are both in my thoughts and prayers! One week closer to your Mom being cancer free!
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #13
    Juliejewels said:

    Mom made it thru first chemo

    Mom made it thru first chemo round w pump and the firest week of rad. She's doing fine but a little nausea and fatigue. She gets depressed when she thinks about the pump. 

    She's hanging in. 

     

    Julie

    I was glad to see your update and know that your mom is fairing pretty well with the treatment.  The good news is the pump is only for a few days, then comes off.  I hope she continues to have minimal side effects.  How fortunate that you can be there to give her such good care and support.  Please keep us posted.

  • Mariasnr
    Mariasnr Member Posts: 3
    #14
    Helps to know not alone

    Hi Julie

    I am so devastated to find that I too am in the same position as you.  A biopsy revealved that my mum (age 63) also has Anal cancer, we are now awaiting the mri and ct scans which are next week.  the waiting is so awefull.  I just wanted you to know that it feels a little easier knowing people are here for advice.  Now praying for good scans, lets take each step as it comes. 

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #15
    Mariasnr said:

    Helps to know not alone

    Hi Julie

    I am so devastated to find that I too am in the same position as you.  A biopsy revealved that my mum (age 63) also has Anal cancer, we are now awaiting the mri and ct scans which are next week.  the waiting is so awefull.  I just wanted you to know that it feels a little easier knowing people are here for advice.  Now praying for good scans, lets take each step as it comes. 

    Mariasnr

    I'm sorry your mother's diagnosis has brought you here.  I hope the scans will show a small, localized tumor that can be successfully treated.  We are here for you, so don't hesitate to come here for support.  I wish your mom all the best.

  • Vicki K
    Vicki K Member Posts: 14
    #16
    Mariasnr said:

    Helps to know not alone

    Hi Julie

    I am so devastated to find that I too am in the same position as you.  A biopsy revealved that my mum (age 63) also has Anal cancer, we are now awaiting the mri and ct scans which are next week.  the waiting is so awefull.  I just wanted you to know that it feels a little easier knowing people are here for advice.  Now praying for good scans, lets take each step as it comes. 

    Helps to know not alone

    I too am sorry you had to find this page, but as you can see, there are wonderful and amazing people here to support you and answer your questions.  I don't know what I would have done without this site!

    The tips, and tricks and knowing that someone else knows exactly what you are going through is very comforting.

    My husband is healing up now after finishing his 2 rounds of chemo and 31 radiation treatments.  It's truly amazing how fast the body will heal itself!

  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #17
    Mariasnr said:

    Helps to know not alone

    Hi Julie

    I am so devastated to find that I too am in the same position as you.  A biopsy revealved that my mum (age 63) also has Anal cancer, we are now awaiting the mri and ct scans which are next week.  the waiting is so awefull.  I just wanted you to know that it feels a little easier knowing people are here for advice.  Now praying for good scans, lets take each step as it comes. 

    Mariasnr
    I am sorry to hear about your Mom. Try not to worry. I hope that you don't have to wait too long to get started. The treatment is doable and this cancer is curable. Your Mom will be ok and she will be in my prayers.
  • Mariasnr
    Mariasnr Member Posts: 3
    #18
    Marynb said:

    Mariasnr
    I am sorry to hear about your Mom. Try not to worry. I hope that you don't have to wait too long to get started. The treatment is doable and this cancer is curable. Your Mom will be ok and she will be in my prayers.

    Helps to know not alone

    Thank you all for your support.  I already know by reading through this site that it is going be of such a huge help and valuable advice to aid me in getting my mum through this so she can beat this cancer, and that is what she will do.  Thank you to everyone who opens up and shares there stories.

  • marknyc
    marknyc Member Posts: 6
    #19
    Juliejewels said:

    Mom made it thru first chemo

    Mom made it thru first chemo round w pump and the firest week of rad. She's doing fine but a little nausea and fatigue. She gets depressed when she thinks about the pump. 

    She's hanging in. 

     

    Tips

    Good to hear you're in her corner.

    Three pieces of advice:

    Prepare for real fatigue as the radiation goes on.  Walking even a block was a challenge for me by my fourth week.  I'm back at the gym, though, so this is temporary.

    Prepare for nausea.  Ask her docs what nausea drug regimen they have ready for her - this was ignored in my case and led to real problems.  That was back in 2007, though, and nausea treatment has improved since then.  But this should be addressed before it happens.

    Be sure and get her to the ER immediately if her temperature goes above 101.  If she feels sick at all, take her temp to be safe.

    Best of luck,

    Mark

  • Mariasnr
    Mariasnr Member Posts: 3
    #20
    Mariasnr said:

    Helps to know not alone

    Thank you all for your support.  I already know by reading through this site that it is going be of such a huge help and valuable advice to aid me in getting my mum through this so she can beat this cancer, and that is what she will do.  Thank you to everyone who opens up and shares there stories.

    THE WAIT IS SO DIFFICULT

    Ok so we now have an appointment for the consultant on the 28th. Mum has been given some info...the Good is all other major organs look clear BUT I am worried as they have said groin lymph note is enlarged so I am now panicing as want them to hurry up so it doesn't spread more.  I am staying strong in front of mum but finding the night times long and lonely as my mind goes haywire.  Keeping everything crossed and praying for next week.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #21
    Mariasnr said:

    THE WAIT IS SO DIFFICULT

    Ok so we now have an appointment for the consultant on the 28th. Mum has been given some info...the Good is all other major organs look clear BUT I am worried as they have said groin lymph note is enlarged so I am now panicing as want them to hurry up so it doesn't spread more.  I am staying strong in front of mum but finding the night times long and lonely as my mind goes haywire.  Keeping everything crossed and praying for next week.

    Mariasnr

    Waiting is one of the hardest things when it comes to cancer.  It was 6 weeks before I began treatment and I think those 6 weeks seemed  to pass more slowly than the 6 when I went through treatment!  I wish your mom all the best and hope you'll keep us posted on how the consult goes.

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