2nd liver resection question- update more questions

I have no experience with the resection, but I'd like to hast something about the fear and the stress you are experiencing. I'm not telling you any secret ththe going through cancer is insanely stressful as much for the patient as the people around them. It seems that you have anxiety about the school year starting alongside the cancer treatment. Even though i have a pretty bad cancer too, but I haven't gone through a fraction of what you guys have been through. For me the worst is yet to come. What I try to do is not thinking too far ahaed, because the anticipation of what's coming is a thousand time worse than the actual event once you are in the middle of it. Look at the things you guys have been through. It's all just a memory, but before you started it stressed you out really bad. Try to concentrate only on gathering information and the next appointment, one thing at the time. Not the entire process. 

As far as whether you should take time off or not, I think if you can and can afford it, do it. You need to have mental and physical capacity to deal with what's coming.

I hope this helps and wish the best possible outcome for both of you.

Laz

alexinlv said:

Thank you, Laz.  Great advice

Thank you, Laz.  Great advice and I do need reminders about not looking to far ahead for sure.  Today I am still anxious but also second guessing if I was overreacting yesterday.  eitherway, I need to figure out what to do to get myself feeling better mentally and physically.  I am panicking because I have to be at work ready got a brand new year when last school year I left 3 weeks early because I couldn't handle it at all.  Sigh...  Thanks for listening. 

I really think that you have to fix what is making you so stressed.  Even if it means taking medication.    My cancer didn't affecct my husband, probably because i worked the whole time and appeared normal.   In a way, I was hurt that he just kept on like nothing, but looking closer, I know he hurt everytime he saw me and what I had to do to keep m medical insurance. The later was better then him falling apart, I know that now. 

I persoally needed to focus on what is, what I can't change, and that ths may be my new way of life.  I have changed ALOT, I am not the full of energy person that I used to be and I don't let things bother anymore.  Floor needs mopping, I will do it tomorrow.  Maybe a slower pace may help?  

Good Luck to youj and hang in there....

Hi Alex,

It sounds like we are in a very similar place except my husband is dealing with liver mets along with peritoneal mets.  He just had radiation for 2 of the liver mets and is back on chemo now.  I know exactly how you feel about not knowing how to juggle all this.  We also have 3 kids and I work full time close to 50 hours a week.  I am feeling the same stress and not sure what to do. I am also a cancer survivor so I know I need to take care of myself also but honestly I just don't have the time to do anything for myself.  It is all very overwhelming. I agree with you.

I find the advice about not trying to plan too far in the future the best of all.  Try to focus on one treatment at a time and not think too much about what is next.  I have found that things change way to much in this world of cancer so it just isn't good to worry about the next surgery or treatment.  Just earlier this year I was stressed about the thought of the 2nd liver resection only to find out that he was not operable and had mets in his abdomen.  

I hope and pray that you get through this and find the answers that you need.  I wish my husband would work like so many on here but he has no desire to leave the house for anything except doctor appointments.  I wish I could be home to take care of him but we are going to need insurance so I need to stay employed.  I have been thinking about you and hoping things were going well.  Sending prayers to you and your family.

Teri

herdizziness said:

2 liver resections

I just had my 2nd liver resection the last of May.  I have spots in my lungs, but I've had them for years, so Onc is just doing a wait and see on them, no chemo for them.  A new primary tumor was found in my colon so getting that cut out, and then, no chemo mop up this time either.  Last liver resection I had mop up, but this time onc is willing to wait and I agree, he's going to keep an eye on CEA (a good indicator for me) and scan the lungs in three months and see how they are doing.

I hope you can find a way to relieve the stress, sometimes medication can be helpful, even a low dose. Enjoy the kindergarteners they must being joy to you, teaching those little minds must bring so much satisfaction.  

Try to find the joys of living again and less focus on your husband's cancer, it won't change things to worry about them, as Buzzard used to say "It is what it is" and all the worry in the world won't change it.  Mind you I'm probably first prize winner in the worry wart division and I know it's easier said then done.  But focus on smelling the roses more often

I'm so sorry about your fibromyalgia, my Aunt has this and I know it can be so painful, hopefully ypir medications for that will start working soon and relieve some of your pain.

Winter Marie

Marie, what about cimetidine and vitamin D during the run up to surgery and after periods?