waiting game
Since my brother's liver tumor grew a little bit while on irinotecan, the doctor decided to try to add 5-FU back, but only via IV, not with the pump. My brother had the first 3 doses of chemo, but after the 3rd he developed severe diarrhea that Lomotil AND Imodium didn't help. So he went for the 4th chemo and the doctor said he wouldn't be able to have it. He also had a low grade fever.
The new plan is to have an echo cardiogram before the next cycle. If everything looks good still with his heart, they will start the 2nd cycle in another 3 weeks, but at an even lower dose. His doctor is trying to do as much as she can for him. I guess she's looking for the best protocol for my brother, something that he can tolerate without having severe reactions.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Lin
Comments
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Thanks, Lizardlizard44 said:Sending positive, healing thoughts
for your brother. And for you. It's never easy seeing someone you love suffer. My sister was also intellectually disabled, so I can empathize in a way with what you are all going through.
I appreciate the positive thoughts! My brother is such a sweetheart, so I only wish him the best!
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Your brother isn't the onlyUncleBuddy said:Thanks, Lizard
I appreciate the positive thoughts! My brother is such a sweetheart, so I only wish him the best!
Your brother isn't the only sweetheart in the family....prayers.
CM
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Aw!Cathleen Mary said:Your brother isn't the only
Your brother isn't the only sweetheart in the family....prayers.
CM
Thank you! That's very sweet of you.
Lin
Yesterday I had dad at the cardiologist because his BP was high when the nurse came to check on them. They upped his dose of one of the heart meds. Trying to keep track of their meds makes my head spin, sometimes.
I hope all is well with you.
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Sorry I didn't respond
Sorry I didn't respond earlier Lin. Your brother, father and you are in my prayers.
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Has he had his echocardi yet?
He really is going through the mill, but sounds as though he is a real fighter. And with you and your Father right by his side, I'm sure he will do well.
It sounds like he has a first class Doctor, who is sensitive to his needs as well as his Cancer.
You are all in my prayers.
Sue - Trubrit
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Thanks Jeff!janderson1964 said:Sorry I didn't respond
Sorry I didn't respond earlier Lin. Your brother, father and you are in my prayers.
I appreciate all the prayers.
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Hi SueTrubrit said:Has he had his echocardi yet?
He really is going through the mill, but sounds as though he is a real fighter. And with you and your Father right by his side, I'm sure he will do well.
It sounds like he has a first class Doctor, who is sensitive to his needs as well as his Cancer.
You are all in my prayers.
Sue - Trubrit
They are doing another echo on the 26th. He restarts chemo on the 27th. The cardiologist meets us after the echo and gives us the results right away, so we'll know then if his heart is okay to continue. His oncologist is a sweetheart. She wants to see him do well and will tweak his chemo to make him as comfortable as possible, as long as it continues working. His onc is great with the family too.
He is a fighter. I don't know how he does it. He is a very calm, upbeat person who looks at the good side of everything.
I appreciate all the prayers. He needs them, that's for sure.
I hope you're doing well.
Take care.
Lin
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BestUncleBuddy said:Hi Sue
They are doing another echo on the 26th. He restarts chemo on the 27th. The cardiologist meets us after the echo and gives us the results right away, so we'll know then if his heart is okay to continue. His oncologist is a sweetheart. She wants to see him do well and will tweak his chemo to make him as comfortable as possible, as long as it continues working. His onc is great with the family too.
He is a fighter. I don't know how he does it. He is a very calm, upbeat person who looks at the good side of everything.
I appreciate all the prayers. He needs them, that's for sure.
I hope you're doing well.
Take care.
Lin
wishes Lin as you care for your father and brother. Doesn't seem fair but nothing about cancer ever does.
Eadyflip/Richard
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Thanks Richard!Easyflip said:Best
wishes Lin as you care for your father and brother. Doesn't seem fair but nothing about cancer ever does.
Eadyflip/Richard
This is his 2nd bout with cancer, so it really sucks! He's been through a lot in his life.
Thanks for your well wishes.
Lin
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LinUncleBuddy said:Thanks Richard!
This is his 2nd bout with cancer, so it really sucks! He's been through a lot in his life.
Thanks for your well wishes.
Lin
Just saw your message and hope that things are better for your brother. I know that "living in the bathroom" was one of JBG's biggest problems, no matter what chemo or dose she was on. Your brother definitely is a fighter, as you are. Hope your dad's BP is under control.
I'm sure your poor head is spinning trying to keep it all sorted out. Ron took so many pills each day. Each week I would line them all up on the counter and fill the huge pill box. Would never have been able to keep them straight otherwise. Was difficult even then as dosages were constantly changing for the heart and diabetes meds and pain meds.
Am thinking of you and hoping for good things for your family.
Luv,
Wolfen
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Thanks Wolfenwolfen said:Lin
Just saw your message and hope that things are better for your brother. I know that "living in the bathroom" was one of JBG's biggest problems, no matter what chemo or dose she was on. Your brother definitely is a fighter, as you are. Hope your dad's BP is under control.
I'm sure your poor head is spinning trying to keep it all sorted out. Ron took so many pills each day. Each week I would line them all up on the counter and fill the huge pill box. Would never have been able to keep them straight otherwise. Was difficult even then as dosages were constantly changing for the heart and diabetes meds and pain meds.
Am thinking of you and hoping for good things for your family.
Luv,
Wolfen
I set up both dad's and my brother's meds. I usually set up two weeks worth. It's amazing how many pills they both take. I have a bin for each of them with their meds and what is taken at what time. I figure if I'm away, anyone can go in there and set their pills up for them. My granddaughter turns 2 in September, so we're going south for her birthday. My sister covers for me (to a point), so having the list of meds will help. I also have a nurse coming in twice a week to check them. It makes me feel better knowing they are monitored at home.
His diarrhea has subsided for now. He is supposed to start back on chemo the 27th. He now does 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Dad's bp is good now. They upped one of his meds, so far so good.
You know we all miss JBG. She was a fighter, too! I know it must be hard on you.
Lin
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