New Member - Starting treatment Monday

Marie59 said:

Hi Sherie,

Hi Sherie,

My father just completed his last treatment this past Thursday. He is 86 years old and broke his pelvic bone after his first treatment on 11/27/17 and they had to postpone treatment until he could heal. The reason I mention the fall, is because not only did he have his age as a possible negative, he's been thin and somewhat frail for some time. He got through it and so can you! My siblings and I took turns staying with him. I will tell you that it helps to have a friend and/or family to bring lighter meals and run errands as you will be tired. BUT..... my Dad got up every morning and went to his car with the newspaper and coffee just as he has always done. When he felt tired he didn't drive just backed it out of the garage vs. reading the paper by the nearby river. Routine is important we found - it made him feel normal. He went to the casino once a week as was his routine too except when he was in rehab for his fracture and one week when he was nauseous. The nausea meds really work and these nurses and doctors know what to give you and try if they don't. He found the gabapenten (started in week 4 but some patients we learned start sooner) relieved the discomfort before that it was tramadol with tylenol. He didn't want to take hydrocodone for fear of constipation and he didn't feel he needed it but everyone is different. Certainly it's there if he did which was so great to know. He wasn't good about starting the immodium when he should have and that set him back with diarrhea and "accidents" which was quite unpleasant for him and didn't help with the soreness. He stopped all dairy products and doubled up on the immodium (the doctor said it is ok to do that during treatment). He couldn't get in and out of his bathtub due to his frailty - but he has found sitting in the shower (he has a seat built in but these can be purchased or rented) and placing the shower head such that it would run down his back and his bottom was quite soothing. The aquaphor protects the skin and once it's uncomfortable the doctor prescribed lidocaine and Dad said it was a miracle - they applied some at the doctor's office when he mentioned how uncomfortable he was and he said the burning instantly subsided. After a few weeks he was told to mix together the aquaphor and lidocaine as the latter alone would actually irritate and burn the area. They'll tell you all of this - I don't want to overwhelm you just wanted to share a bit of his story and journey. It's amazing how quickly the 6 weeks of treatment have gone by. He's feeling the effects of the last chemo now and as we've said all along taking it one day at a time. He's been told each day he will feel stronger. Attitude is key and you're already on the right track there! God bless you and all who have endured this treatment - as we reminded our Dad from time to time - it's the road to CURE! We're not done yet - this we know but each day is closer to full recovery. His golf league starts at the end of April - this is his next goal - to get strong enough to get the sticks out! Good luck Sherrie you can do it!!!!

 

I am so glad your dad finished his treatment.  It sounds like he did quite well, all things considered.  I'm sorry that it got off to a bad start with the fracture though.  I wish him a swift recovery so that he can get back to his normal routine and that golf league!

Marie59 said:

Hi Sherie,

Hi Sherie,

My father just completed his last treatment this past Thursday. He is 86 years old and broke his pelvic bone after his first treatment on 11/27/17 and they had to postpone treatment until he could heal. The reason I mention the fall, is because not only did he have his age as a possible negative, he's been thin and somewhat frail for some time. He got through it and so can you! My siblings and I took turns staying with him. I will tell you that it helps to have a friend and/or family to bring lighter meals and run errands as you will be tired. BUT..... my Dad got up every morning and went to his car with the newspaper and coffee just as he has always done. When he felt tired he didn't drive just backed it out of the garage vs. reading the paper by the nearby river. Routine is important we found - it made him feel normal. He went to the casino once a week as was his routine too except when he was in rehab for his fracture and one week when he was nauseous. The nausea meds really work and these nurses and doctors know what to give you and try if they don't. He found the gabapenten (started in week 4 but some patients we learned start sooner) relieved the discomfort before that it was tramadol with tylenol. He didn't want to take hydrocodone for fear of constipation and he didn't feel he needed it but everyone is different. Certainly it's there if he did which was so great to know. He wasn't good about starting the immodium when he should have and that set him back with diarrhea and "accidents" which was quite unpleasant for him and didn't help with the soreness. He stopped all dairy products and doubled up on the immodium (the doctor said it is ok to do that during treatment). He couldn't get in and out of his bathtub due to his frailty - but he has found sitting in the shower (he has a seat built in but these can be purchased or rented) and placing the shower head such that it would run down his back and his bottom was quite soothing. The aquaphor protects the skin and once it's uncomfortable the doctor prescribed lidocaine and Dad said it was a miracle - they applied some at the doctor's office when he mentioned how uncomfortable he was and he said the burning instantly subsided. After a few weeks he was told to mix together the aquaphor and lidocaine as the latter alone would actually irritate and burn the area. They'll tell you all of this - I don't want to overwhelm you just wanted to share a bit of his story and journey. It's amazing how quickly the 6 weeks of treatment have gone by. He's feeling the effects of the last chemo now and as we've said all along taking it one day at a time. He's been told each day he will feel stronger. Attitude is key and you're already on the right track there! God bless you and all who have endured this treatment - as we reminded our Dad from time to time - it's the road to CURE! We're not done yet - this we know but each day is closer to full recovery. His golf league starts at the end of April - this is his next goal - to get strong enough to get the sticks out! Good luck Sherrie you can do it!!!!

 

Marie .. thank your father for being such an inspiration.  Prayers & love to your family

MsHolmes45 said:

"poop consistency managment,"

Good one!!  Love this board, except going into a 2nd or 3rd cancer discovery, I find I can no longer stand to be around upbeat people.  Though, here, I know we are all going through similar journeys.   One other annoying thing I do, I talk to complete strangers about what I'm going through.  I use to be extremely shy, oh well.  Thanks everybody!!

Sorry everyone, I've been reminded I have

METASTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA in anal canal?

My original diagnosis uterine and endometrial, with travel to spine and vaginal cuff. The problems I'm having are the tumor that extends outside into anus. My mistake. I have always had a tough time expressing myself.  I'm sure those on this board have kept up.  Again, thanks.

So glad you are nearing the finish line!  Hang in there--you've got this!

smc0057 said:

Treatment completed!

Just an update.  I’m 6 weeks post treatment today.  It’s been hard and the week after treatment was the worst.  My fatigue is pretty much gone thank goodness.  I’m working full time now.  AND IM RIDING MY BIKE!  I know there’s a “new” normal after a cancer diagnosis and treatment, but finally getting to ride has made me feel like myself again.  Of course my strength and stamina aren’t what they were,but I’m building up slowly.  Next I’ll be starting pelvic floor rehab as soon as the insurance approves he referral.  Hoping for a bit more bowel control and some work on the horrible vaginal stenosis radiation left for me.  PET scan follow up will be the end of June, as will be the follow up with my surgeon, oncologist, and rad oncologist.  I’m trying hard not to dwell on all that and just to enjoy being here and feeling better!!!

Yay!!!! Congrats to you! Also kuddos on getting back on that bike so soon, I would have needed to strap a big fluffy pillow to my seat at 6 weeks, haha. I'm sure you'll notice an improved strength and stamina quite a bit more over the summer, but be sure to take it slow and don't overdo either.

Thanks so much for posting as I think its important for others just starting out to read encouraging news.

Keep us posted as you continue your journey of health!

katheryn

Hi. I am a year and a half out since diagnosed andI still feel like its all sureal. Mine was in the lower rectum. I had radiation, chemo and then the apr surgery. Really not a big deal surprisingly so you have any questions no matter how embarrassing or litle it seams, send your question my way! Good Luck!! You are stronger than you think.